Ukraine Accepts 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal with U.S. Support for Peace Talks

Ukraine is willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as announced after talks in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has committed to lifting previous aid and intelligence sharing freezes. Both parties will form negotiating teams to pursue enduring peace, while the U.S. seeks access to Ukraine’s mineral resources for economic expansion.

The United States and Ukraine announced that Kyiv is amenable to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following discussions in Saudi Arabia. This proposal includes the potential for extensions through mutual agreement and is contingent upon Russia’s acceptance. The U.S. reaffirmed that reciprocal actions from Russia will be essential for peace.

This agreement emerged from extensive negotiations lasting over eight hours, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Ukrainian officials in attendance. Following these discussions, the U.S. will resume intelligence sharing and military assistance to Ukraine, which had previously been halted after a February meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Trump. This aid is critical for Ukraine as it has faced significant challenges since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The willingness of Russia to consent to the ceasefire remains uncertain. Steve Witkoff, a senior advisor, is set to visit Russia soon for discussions, having previously met with President Vladimir Putin. Both parties agreed to form dedicated negotiating teams to facilitate peace talks that will focus on Ukraine’s long-term security. Additionally, the U.S. will engage directly with Russian representatives regarding specific proposals.

During these talks, President Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to reach an agreement on the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. This deal is designed to bolster Ukraine’s economy and secure its future prosperity, with Zelenskyy expressing readiness to finalize this agreement.

While Zelenskyy did not attend the talks directly, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized Ukraine’s desire for a peace agreement. He highlighted the importance of security guarantees to deter future aggression from Russia, indicating that discussing how to initiate the peace process is currently paramount for the delegation.

In conclusion, the potential acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire by Ukraine, supported by the resumption of U.S. assistance, marks a significant step towards peace negotiations with Russia. However, the outcome remains contingent upon Russia’s response. The focus now shifts towards establishing a framework for lasting peace and the necessary security measures to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty going forward.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com