Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine ‘agrees 30-day ceasefire’ in major war breakthrough as Putin poised for decision (themirror.com)
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, potentially paving the way for an end to the three-year conflict. The breakthrough came after extensive negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the ceasefire on Tuesday, stating that Ukraine had accepted the US proposal. The agreement calls for immediate negotiations to achieve a lasting and sustainable peace that addresses Ukraine’s interests and security. Secretary Rubio expressed hope that Russia would accept the offer, emphasizing that “the ball is now in their court.”
As part of the agreement, the US will reinstate intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine. While a rare minerals deal between the two nations wasn’t finalized during the talks, Secretary Rubio indicated that both presidents have directed their administrations to bring the agreement to a close.
The ceasefire agreement follows a marathon seven-hour meeting between high-level US and Ukrainian delegations. Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized the importance of protecting Kyiv’s interests and achieving a “just peace” in a social media post. He expressed gratitude to US and Saudi officials for the “constructive meeting.”
This positive development contrasts sharply with a recent Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy, which reportedly devolved into a heated exchange. President Zelenskyy subsequently canceled a potential mineral agreement with the US after President Trump called him “disrespectful” and Vice President J.D. Vance criticized his perceived lack of gratitude for US support.
The ceasefire announcement comes on the heels of a significant Ukrainian drone offensive, reportedly the largest since the start of the conflict, and just hours after Russia claimed to have shot down over 300 Ukrainian drones.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, is tentatively scheduled to travel to Moscow later this week for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though scheduling remains subject to change.