Ukraine has reportedly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following high-stakes negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
The US has pledged to immediately restore military aid and intelligence sharing, after Trump restricted it following a showdown with Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump expressed hope that Russia’s Vladimir Putin would reciprocate, calling it a “total ceasefire.” “Ukraine has agreed to it. And hopefully, Russia will agree to it,” The Guardian cited.
Zelenskyy then confirmed that the ceasefire proposal applies to all front lines, including air and sea operations. “Ukraine accepts this proposal; we consider it positive. Now, the United States must convince Russia to do the same,” as reported by CNN.
The joint US-Ukraine statement emphasised that the ceasefire would only be enacted if Russia agrees and adheres to its terms. It also revived a controversial minerals deal, offering the US a 50 per cent stake in Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. Trump claimed this deal would bolster Ukraine’s economic security and solidify US interests in the region.
Will Russia accept ceasefire plan?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire, urging Russia to accept. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Putin “cannot be trusted” and called for continued military support for Ukraine.
Russian officials have not yet confirmed acceptance of the ceasefire. Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, reacted cautiously, stating, “You always need to hope for the best but still be prepared for the worst, and we should always be ready to defend our interests,” as reported by Kommersant.
With Ukraine under pressure to secure US support, the ceasefire proposal is seen as a strategic move. The next step hinges on Russia’s response, determining whether the war will cease or continue relentlessly.
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