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Ukraine agrees to US-brokered ceasefire
Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, but its implementation now depends on Russia’s approval.
Ukrainian and US officials reached the agreement during negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that “the ball is now in Moscow’s court.” The ceasefire would mark the first official pause in hostilities since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Ukraine had initially proposed a more limited ceasefire covering air and naval operations. However, the US pushed for a full ceasefire along the front lines, which Ukraine accepted on the condition that Russia does the same.
Despite the agreement, doubts remain over whether Moscow will comply. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia has previously violated multiple ceasefires in the past, particularly following the 2014 conflict in Donbas.
“Ukraine is willing to try again, but there is no guarantee this will lead to a lasting peace,” reported Maxim Fedorov, Yle’s Ukraine correspondent.
Terms of the agreement
According to a joint statement released after the Jeddah talks, the US has committed to continuing military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine as part of the deal.
The agreement also includes plans for further negotiations on a minerals trade deal, which would involve cooperation in the extraction and utilization of Ukraine’s natural resources.
If Russia accepts the ceasefire terms, Ukraine and Russia would need to agree on simultaneous implementation. After the initial 30-day period, both sides could extend the ceasefire by mutual consent.
The announcement of the agreement came just hours before Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv, raising concerns about Moscow’s intentions.
While the ceasefire proposal represents a diplomatic breakthrough, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to a long-term resolution. Ukrainian officials have emphasized that any rushed or unfavorable peace deal could increase the risk of future Russian aggression.
HT