US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (R.) Photo credit: News24
(The Post News)- In a significant development toward resolving the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent upon reciprocal action from Moscow. This decision emerged from high-level discussions held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
The proposed ceasefire entails a comprehensive halt to hostilities, encompassing missile and drone strikes, as well as ground engagements along the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to accept this interim truce, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.
In response to Ukraine’s agreement, the United States announced the immediate resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing, which had been previously suspended. This move underscores the U.S. administration’s support for Ukraine and its efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
The international community has largely welcomed this development. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have hailed the agreement as a pivotal step toward peace, urging Russia to reciprocate and engage constructively in the ceasefire.
However, the situation remains tense. Shortly after Ukraine’s announcement, Russia launched air attacks on Kyiv, highlighting the fragility of the current state of affairs. The Kremlin has yet to officially respond to the ceasefire proposal, and reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be hesitant to accept the terms without further negotiations.
The proposed ceasefire also includes provisions for the release of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, aiming to build trust between the conflicting parties. Additionally, discussions are set to resume regarding a critical minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, which could bolster Ukraine’s economy and strengthen bilateral ties.
As the international community watches closely, the onus is now on Russia to respond to the ceasefire proposal. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this initiative can pave the way for more comprehensive peace talks and, ultimately, a resolution to the conflict that has persisted for over three years.
About the Author
