Ukraine has expressed willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, with the United States lifting a freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing. The agreement follows extensive negotiations in Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the importance of Russia’s cooperation for achieving peace. Ukraine aims to secure long-term economic support and security guarantees in the ongoing discussions.
The United States and Ukraine announced that Kyiv is willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia following discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Washington has also committed to lifting the suspension of intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, which was enacted earlier this year. A joint statement from both nations emphasized that Russia’s response would be crucial for advancing peace negotiations.
The decision was reached after extensive discussions, lasting over eight hours, involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials. The statement further explained that U.S. will reinstatement security assistance to Ukraine, which has been vital since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. The cessation of aid left Ukraine vulnerable and prompted concerns from European allies regarding their support.
It remains uncertain whether Russia will agree to the ceasefire. Notably, Steve Witkoff, a former envoy for Trump in the Middle East, is set to visit Russia soon to facilitate further negotiations. The U.S. and Ukraine’s statement highlighted that both sides recognize the importance of forming dedicated negotiating teams to pursue a lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s future security, with European nations invited to join the discussions.
In their agreement, special emphasis was placed on the need for a comprehensive arrangement concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources, aimed at bolstering its economy and ensuring long-term stability. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown openness to formalizing a deal to grant U.S. access to these resources and the discussions aimed to expedite this process.
Ukrainian officials conveyed a strong desire to negotiate a peace deal with Russia. While Zelenskyy seeks Western security assurances to prevent future aggression, the focus currently lies on initiating the dialogue necessary for peace. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Zelenskyy, reaffirmed the urgency of starting negotiations, underscoring that “Ukrainians want peace,” and their readiness to progress towards that goal.
In summary, Ukraine’s willingness to engage in a 30-day ceasefire with Russia is a significant step towards potential peace talks, bolstered by the U.S. resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing. The ongoing negotiations reflect the crucial role of Russian cooperation in achieving lasting peace. Furthermore, the focus on economic partnerships highlights Ukraine’s determination for long-term prosperity and security, while also seeking Western security guarantees against future threats.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
