Tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war may ease as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Tuesday, March 11, that Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the United States.
The decision followed an intense eight-hour peace negotiation between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
The proposed ceasefire, which is expected to cover the entire front line of battle, now depends on Russia’s willingness to reciprocate.
Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to move forward, stating, “Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step, and the United States of America must convince Russia to do so.”
Following the meeting in Jeddah, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine, announcing that it would “immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian government also confirmed that US security assistance had already resumed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the next move lies with Russia, urging them to take decisive steps toward peace.
“We hope that they’ll say yes, that they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court,”Rubio stated.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukraine’s decision, promising to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin in discussions regarding the ceasefire.
“Hopefully President Putin will agree to that also, and we can get this show on the road,”Trump told reporters at the White House.
The joint US-Ukraine statement emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to accepting an immediate, temporary ceasefire.
The proposal allows for an extension based on mutual agreement, provided Russia also complies.
“The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace,” the statement read.
Ukraine’s conditions for the ceasefire include halting air and sea attacks, the release of Ukrainian prisoners to foster trust, and the return of Ukrainian children from Russia.
Additionally, Ukraine and the US agreed to finalize a rare minerals deal aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economy and long-term security.
The ceasefire discussions come at a crucial time as Russian forces continue advancing in the Kursk region an area where Ukraine had launched a significant counterattack last August.
This region remains one of Kyiv’s key bargaining tools in peace negotiations.
Although Zelensky did not attend the Jeddah meeting, Ukraine’s delegation met with Rubio and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Both officials had previously engaged in direct negotiations with Russia.
While Trump expressed optimism, he acknowledged that the ceasefire’s success depends on Russia’s response.
“Ukraine has agreed to it, and hopefully, Russia will agree to it. If they do, great. If not, we just keep going on, and people are going to get killed,” he said.
Trump also hinted at future diplomatic efforts, revealing his intention to speak with Putin later in the week.
“I want to get – look, it takes two to tango, as they say, right? So hopefully, he’ll also agree,” he added.
For now, Ukraine’s commitment to the ceasefire marks a hopeful step toward ending the war.
However, the world waits to see whether Russia will embrace the opportunity for peace or if the conflict will persist.
