Ukraine Agrees to 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia Following U.S. Aid Resumption
Ukraine is poised to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, aided by lifted U.S. military and intelligence support, following negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Russian acknowledgment of the ceasefire remains uncertain, but commitments toward a peace process involving European partners have been made.
In a significant diplomatic move, Ukraine has agreed to consider a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has pledged to lift a freeze on intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, a decision expected to bolster Kyiv’s position in ongoing conflict. The joint statement emphasized that Russian reciprocity is crucial for achieving long-term peace between the parties involved.
The announcement follows over eight hours of negotiations led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. is set to immediately resume security assistance, which had been paused after a meeting between President Zelenskyy and former President Trump earlier this year. This resumption of support aims to rectify the disadvantage placed on Ukraine due to the halted aid amid its struggle against the Russian invasion.
It remains uncertain if Russia will reciprocate the ceasefire offer. In the coming days, Steve Witkoff, who has previously met President Putin, will travel to Russia to discuss the situation. Both delegations have committed to forming negotiating teams to pursue a lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s security, involving European partners in the process.
Additionally, a comprehensive agreement is to be finalized for the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, which is expected to stimulate the economy and enhance security in the long term. Washington has been advocating for a deal that allows U.S. access to these mineral reserves, and Zelenskyy has shown willingness to formalize such an agreement.
Ukrainian officials have signaled readiness for a peace deal, stressing that overcoming Russian aggression is essential. Chief of staff Andriy Yermak has underscored the importance of initiating discussions, pointing out that while security guarantees are vital to prevent future aggression, the priority remains to start the peace process.
The discussions in Saudi Arabia have led to Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent on reciprocal acknowledgment from Moscow. The U.S. is prepared to unfreeze military and intelligence assistance, vital for assisting Ukraine in its conflict. Both delegations aim to formalize peace negotiations involving European partners while also discussing deals to develop Ukraine’s economic sectors for future stability.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
