Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced his readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following high-level talks between US. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has also agreed to immediately resume intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine.
In a statement on Telegram, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for what he described as a “constructive” discussion between both nations and confirmed that Kyiv had accepted the U.S. proposal for a temporary cessation of hostilities. He emphasized that Ukraine is “ready for peace” and urged the U.S. to convince Russia to reciprocate the ceasefire.
“Today, in the conversation, the American side proposed to take the first step immediately and try to establish a full ceasefire for 30 days, not only concerning rockets, drones, and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line,” Zelenskyy stated. “Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, and we are ready to take this step.”
Following the nine-hour-long discussions in Jeddah, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. has lifted its temporary pause on military assistance to Ukraine. He stated that the “ball is now in Russia’s court” and that the proposal would be presented to Moscow to determine its willingness to halt the conflict.
While no specific deadline has been set, Rubio expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, calling the proposal “a serious effort to end the fighting.” He added that if Russia reciprocates, it could be a major breakthrough in the ongoing war.
National Security Adviser Mike Pompeo also noted that Kyiv shares former President Donald Trump’s vision for peace, signaling that Ukraine is aligned with the U.S. approach to resolving the conflict.
Zelenskyy had earlier met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before departing the country, while U.S. officials continued diplomatic efforts in Jeddah. The ceasefire agreement, if accepted by Russia, could mark a significant turning point in the war that has lasted over two years.
