Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, contingent on Russia's acceptance. The deal was announced by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
Kiev expressed readiness to accept the US proposal for an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement
"Today, we've made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations to end this conflict in a way that's enduring and sustainable." Rubio told reporters in Jeddah.
He later wrote on X, "Today was a good day for peace. Thanks to @POTUS's leadership and under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we are one step closer to restoring durable peace for Ukraine. The ball is now in Russia's court.
On his part, Waltz wrote, "Today was an enormous step in President Trump’s efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. With the Ukrainian government agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire, we urge the Russian government to join President Trump’s vision for peace."
The United States will immediately lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which had been paused to pressure Ukraine into the talks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet responded to the offer, but US officials hope he will agree to the ceasefire. Trump has indicated he will speak with Putin to discuss the proposal.
European leaders, including the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have welcomed the agreement and are urging Russia to accept the ceasefire.
Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Moscow on Monday, causing damage and casualties, as Russian forces advance in the Kursk region.
The US had previously suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine to push for peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday to discuss steps toward peace. He emphasized the need for deterrence against future Russian aggression and the release of prisoners.
Tuesday's development marks a significant step toward potential peace, but the success of the ceasefire will depend on Russia's response and action.
European defense leaders are meeting in Paris this week to discuss their plans to provide Ukraine with security guarantees as the continent steps up after decades of relying on the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron led with an address to the Tuesday gathering of defense chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries after the U.S.’ new "America first" policy direction jolted the Europeans into action.
Macron said it was time to "move from concept to plan," and told French newspaper Le Figaro that France would boost its defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, amounting to around $32 billion annually.
Details of any peacekeeping force are still widely in flux, but some officials said to expect a targeted deterrence force aimed at protecting key infrastructure rather than a wide blockade of the front lines.
