Ukraine is poised to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia as proposed by the US, amid renewed diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed the offer to Russia, expecting a favorable response. The situation remains critical with ongoing military actions, and negotiations focus on ensuring long-term peace and security for Ukraine.

Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, an initiative put forth by the United States following recent discussions held in Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he would convey this offer to Russia, emphasizing that the decision now rests with them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the necessity for the US to persuade Russia to agree to this favorable proposal.

The recent talks in Jeddah marked the first official engagement between Ukraine and the US since the notable confrontation involving Zelensky and President Trump in the Oval Office. A joint statement confirmed the US’s commitment to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, which had previously been suspended after their contentious meeting. Both delegations also resolved to establish negotiating teams and initiate discussions aimed at enduring peace and Ukraine’s long-term security.

Rubio expressed optimism regarding Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal, stating that Ukraine was prepared to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue. He noted that if Russia declines the offer, the international community will understand the underlying impediments to achieving peace. “Today we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted… we hope they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court,” Rubio added.

This ceasefire offer represents an expansion beyond Zelensky’s initial suggestion of a partial truce limited to specific regions. Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, currently occupying approximately 20% of Ukrainian land. Reacting to questions regarding the dynamics between Trump and Zelensky, Rubio stated that his hope centers on restoring peace rather than personal relations.

No negotiations were made regarding the critical minerals deal during Tuesday’s discussions. Ukraine had previously proposed granting the US access to its rare earth mineral reserves in return for security assurances, a matter complicated by the ongoing discord within the White House. The US delegation included prominent figures such as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who plans to visit Russia shortly.

Efforts toward a swift conclusion to the conflict have been a top priority for the US administration, with increasing emphasis on persuading Zelensky to consider a ceasefire without immediate security guarantees, which he insists upon. Amidst these negotiations, Trump issued a warning of potential sanctions against Russia, citing their aggressive military action against Ukraine.

On the ground, hostilities continued as recent drone strikes resulted in casualties in the Moscow region, marking one of the most significant drone assaults on the capital since the onset of the large-scale conflict. Ukrainian forces reported successfully intercepting numerous Russian drones while Russian defense officials stated they downed a significant number of those targeting their territory, yet reports of casualties remain unclear.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following US mediation, illustrates a significant diplomatic effort to end hostilities. The future of these negotiations hinges on Russia’s response, with the United States reaffirming its support for Ukraine through resumption of intelligence sharing and security assistance. The ongoing conflict’s severity underscores the urgency for a resolution as the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate amidst military confrontations.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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