In what is observed as progress, Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire brokered by the United States, prompting Washington to immediately restore military aid and intelligence-sharing. The agreement, which still requires Russia’s approval, was reached after hours of negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
The US confirmed that it would restart weapons deliveries and intelligence-sharing, which had been suspended following a diplomatic dispute between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
“Ukraine has agreed to it, and hopefully, Russia will agree to it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, indicated that Moscow was open to discussions, saying “contacts with US representatives are not excluded in the coming days.”
The ceasefire agreement goes beyond the limited truce Zelenskyy initially proposed, which focused only on long-range drone and missile strikes and military activities in the Black Sea. Instead, the US plan calls for a complete halt in hostilities along the entire front line for 30 days, with the possibility of extensions if both sides agree.
“The US must convince Russia to do this,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine sees the ceasefire as a positive step toward peace.
The agreement came just hours after one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. More than 90 drones targeted the Russian capital, while 343 drones were reported across the country. Meanwhile, Ukraine also suffered missile and drone strikes on several regions overnight.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the American delegation in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of ending hostilities before further negotiations. “Before you can negotiate, you have to stop shooting at each other,” he said.
Long-Term Security and Peace Talks
Beyond the ceasefire, the Jeddah negotiations also covered long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz noted that discussions included “what guarantees Ukraine will have for its long-term security and prosperity, and what it will take to finally end this war.”
Waltz confirmed that Trump had already lifted the US pause on military aid, ensuring that weapons and security assistance would resume immediately. He also announced plans to engage with his Russian counterpart in the coming days.
Zelenskyy had previously resisted calls for a ceasefire, arguing that any pause without proper enforcement mechanisms would allow Russia to regroup and launch further attacks. However, his stance angered Washington, leading to a diplomatic fallout with Trump on February 28, followed by the suspension of military aid and intelligence-sharing.
To repair relations, Ukraine proposed a partial cessation of drone, missile, and air strikes, as well as a halt to maritime operations. European officials supported this approach, stating it would be easier to monitor and enforce.
A senior Ukrainian official in Jeddah said that while Ukraine is ready for the ceasefire, “the question is Russia — what are they ready for?”
European Union Supports Ceasefire Deal
The European Union welcomed the developments from Jeddah, describing them as “a step toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa issued a joint statement emphasizing that “the ball is now in Russia’s court.”
The agreement now hinges on Russia’s response. If Moscow agrees, this could mark the first significant breakthrough toward ending the war. If not, the conflict may continue with heightened international pressure for further diplomatic engagement.
As the world watches, Ukraine and its allies remain hopeful that this ceasefire could pave the way for lasting peace.
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