After hours of intense negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine has agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Russia, pending Moscow’s acceptance and implementation, according to a joint statement issued by Ukrainian and U.S. officials. The breakthrough came during closed-door talks aimed at finding a path to end the war, which intensified overnight with Kyiv launching its largest drone attack on Moscow to date.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the agreement as a critical step forward, stating, “The ball is now in Moscow’s court.” Rubio confirmed that he would personally present the ceasefire proposal to Russian officials in the coming days, emphasizing that Russia’s response would determine the prospects for peace.
The joint statement outlined that Ukraine has accepted a U.S.-proposed interim ceasefire lasting 30 days, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. “Unlike past U.S. rhetoric that often leaned on unilateral demands (e.g., “Russia must stop” or “Russia must withdraw”), this phrasing pivots to a mutual framework. It’s not just about Russia acting alone but about Russia matching actions from others—likely the U.S. or Ukraine. This transactional tone is a subtle shift, suggesting a pragmatic rather than purely moralistic approach to diplomacy.. In a significant move, the U.S. also pledged to immediately lift its pause on intelligence sharing with Kyiv and resume security assistance to bolster Ukraine’s position.Ukraine Agrees to 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal
The talks, which lasted over eight hours, followed a tumultuous period in U.S.-Ukraine relations, including a reportedly tense White House meeting last week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Despite recent strains, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, announcing plans to finalize a comprehensive agreement on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources—a deal that had been stalled amid diplomatic friction.
The ceasefire proposal comes as the war enters a pivotal phase, with Ukraine’s overnight drone assault on Moscow signaling its resolve to maintain pressure on Russia. Analysts suggest the ceasefire could provide a window for de-escalation, though its success hinges on Russia’s willingness to reciprocate.
As the U.S. prepares to engage Moscow, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this temporary truce could pave the way for broader negotiations to end the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine and destabilized the region for years.
