Ukraine Accepts Ceasefire Proposal, Pledges Peace Talks with Russia

Ukraine and Russia Agree to Ceasefire Proposal

In a significant development, Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the United States and pledged to begin negotiations with Russia toward peace. This agreement has prompted the U.S. to immediately restore intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine. Both sides will also work towards a deal to develop the country's minerals.

The proposed ceasefire aims to achieve "an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine's long-term security," according to a joint statement. However, it remains unclear whether Russia will accept such a deal.

The agreement was reached after more than eight hours of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involving senior officials from both countries, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. If successful, the pause in fighting would be the first significant breakthrough in ending the war since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that he may raise the proposal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call this week. "Ukraine has agreed to it," Mr. Trump said. "Hopefully President Putin will agree to that also."

Under the agreement, the ceasefire would take effect immediately and go beyond Ukraine's initial proposal of only halting air strikes. It could also be extended by mutual agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his country's readiness for peace and called on Russia to show its willingness to end the war. He also thanked the American side for understanding Ukraine's arguments and accepting its proposals.

However, several obstacles remain for a permanent peace agreement. Mr. Zelensky listed demands that have yet to be addressed, including the release of prisoners of war and the return of children taken to Russia. Additionally, Ukraine insists on no recognition of territory captured by Russia and guarantees for its military's support to prevent further invasion.

Russia, on the other hand, demands recognition of its annexation of four Ukrainian provinces and guarantees of no NATO membership for Ukraine, its full demilitarization, and the removal of all sanctions against Russia.

The suspension of U.S. military support and intelligence information has had a profound impact on Ukraine's military and security service. Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Serhii Demediuk, expressed concerns about Signal's lack of assistance in hacking cases, putting soldiers' lives at risk.

The success of this ceasefire proposal and the path towards a permanent peace agreement remain uncertain. However, this development marks a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.