Tags: Ukraine War, Russia-Ukraine Conflict, US Military Aid, International Relations
Ukraine Agrees to Ceasefire Proposal in Jeddah Talks
In a significant diplomatic development, Ukraine has endorsed a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and agreed to immediate negotiations with Russia. The agreement was reached during high-stakes discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as Ukrainian officials sought to move towards peace after three years of war.
The ceasefire deal has led to the Trump administration lifting its freeze on military aid to Ukraine, a move expected to shift the trajectory of the ongoing conflict. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed optimism about ending the war, emphasizing that the next step depends on Russia’s response.
US Resumes Military Assistance to Ukraine
Following the agreement, the US announced the immediate resumption of military assistance and intelligence sharing, which had been suspended after a tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February.
Trump signaled his commitment to diplomatic efforts by expressing readiness to welcome Zelenskyy back to the White House and potentially engaging in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also hinted at a “big meeting” with Russian officials, fueling speculation about further diplomatic advancements.
US-Ukraine Minerals Deal in Progress
As part of ongoing negotiations, Ukraine and the US are working towards finalizing an agreement that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. Trump had previously demanded this arrangement as compensation for the billions of dollars in military aid provided under the Biden administration.
Zelenskyy, despite past tensions with Trump, acknowledged the positive nature of the ceasefire proposal and urged the US to persuade Russia to accept the agreement. His administration has emphasized that Russia must provide a clear response regarding its willingness to end the war.
Russia’s Reaction and Continued Hostilities
Despite the ceasefire discussions, hostilities have continued. Just hours before the Jeddah talks, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, causing casualties. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and regained control of areas near the Kursk region.
Zelenskyy’s chief aide, Andriy Yermak, reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace, calling on Russia to make its stance clear. “Russia needs to say, very clearly, whether they want peace or not, whether they want to end this war, which they started,” Yermak stated.
European Allies Respond with Caution
Trump’s shifting approach to Ukraine has unsettled European allies, with leaders in France and Germany increasingly discussing the need for a unified European defense strategy. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the progress made in Jeddah but insisted that Ukraine must receive strong security guarantees in any ceasefire agreement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the ceasefire deal a “remarkable breakthrough,” while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni emphasized that the decision now rests with Russia. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the development as an “important step towards peace.”
As negotiations continue, uncertainty remains over the long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. While Kyiv has sought assurances for its protection, Trump has ruled out NATO membership as part of any resolution, further complicating the path to a lasting peace agreement.
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