Ukraine is willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US to negotiate peace with Russia. After talks in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the responsibility now lies with Russia to accept this proposal. Continued conflict and recent drone attacks highlight the challenges in establishing a lasting ceasefire.
Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as suggested by the United States following discussions held in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would convey this offer to Russia, emphasizing that “the ball is in their court.” President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that it is now up to the US to persuade Russia to consent to this favorable arrangement.
The discussions in Jeddah marked the first formal engagement between Ukrainian and US representatives since the unprecedented confrontation between Presidents Zelensky and Trump. A joint statement released indicated the US’s commitment to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, which had been suspended after the contentious Oval Office meeting. Both parties agreed to establish negotiating teams to pursue a sustained peace ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.
At a press conference, Rubio commented on the opportunity for peace, stating, “Today we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations.” He reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue, asserting that if Russia rejects the proposal, the cause of the conflict would become apparent.
The suggested ceasefire period exceeds Zelensky’s initial request for limited truces specifically pertaining to the air and maritime domains. Since commencing a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian land. An inquiry into whether this ceasefire indicated a restoration of relations between Trump and Zelensky was met with Rubio’s hope for peace rather than political reconciliation.
Despite the ongoing discussions, violent engagements persisted, evidenced by drone strikes that resulted in fatalities in Moscow. In this recent escalation, three individuals lost their lives, marking the highest attack on the Russian capital since the war’s escalation. Concurrently, Russian forces faced significant drone incursions, prompting air defenses to intercept hundreds of drones targeting various locations, including Kyiv, where Ukraine also reported successful thwarting of attacks.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s agreement to a 30-day ceasefire proposal marks a significant potential shift in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The US plays a critical role in mediating these discussions, with hopes that Russia will accept the offer. Continued violence, however, underscores the urgency for a diplomatic resolution, illustrating the complexities involved in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
