Xinhua
12 Mar 2025, 03:17 GMT+10
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine on Tuesday signaled its readiness to accept a U.S. proposal for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire" following talks with a U.S. delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a joint statement.
The statement, issued after hours of consultations between senior officials from the two countries, said the truce could be extended by mutual agreement, adding that "the United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace."
Washington has agreed to "immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine," the statement said, adding that both sides discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts, particularly during the ceasefire period.
Negotiators also agreed to appoint teams to begin talks aimed at reaching a lasting peace. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with Russian representatives, while Ukraine emphasized the need for European partners to be involved in the process, the statement said.
Additionally, both nations' leaders agreed to finalize "as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine's critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine's economy," it added.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The Ukrainian delegation included President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and others. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban also took part in the discussions.
At a press conference following the talks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope that Russia would accept the proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine.
He said Ukraine's commitment will "be delivered to them directly through multiple channels," "through our diplomatic channels, through conversations, and other methods."
"The ball is in their court," said Rubio, noting that if Kremlin rejects the proposal, "then we'll, unfortunately, know what the impediment is to peace here."
Zelensky described the meeting as "good and constructive" on the social media platform X. "If Russia agrees, the ceasefire will take effect immediately," Zelensky said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week and hopes Russia also agrees to the terms.
When asked how close he thinks Ukraine and Russia are to a total ceasefire, Trump said, "I hope it'll be over the next few days."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Russian state news agencies, "We do not rule out contacts with U.S. representatives within the next few days."
According to Russian media reports, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Putin, said Moscow expected Washington to inform about the talks with Ukraine, stressing that there should not be premature celebration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that the European Union welcomes the U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, including the proposal for a ceasefire and the resumption of U.S. intelligence sharing and security assistance.
French President Emmanuel Macron called on European and NATO military chiefs to draw up a plan "to define credible security guarantees" for Ukraine as peace negotiations accelerated.
Get a daily dose of Kenya Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.
More InformationBRUSSELS, Belgium: The United States has withdrawn from the board of a U.N. climate fund designed to help poor countries deal with...
New Delhi [India], March 12 (ANI): Former West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards showered praise on India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah,...
Port Louis [Mauritius], March 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted the connection between the recently concluded Maha...
Port Louis [Mauritius], March 12 (ANI): Lauding ties between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the relationship...
Port Louis [Mauritius], March 12 (ANI): Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam hosted a state dinner on Tuesday, in honour...
New Delhi [India], March 11 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being awarded...
U.S. and Ukrainian delegations meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 11, 2025. A high-stakes meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations...
Quetta [Pakistan], March 12 (ANI): Pakistan's security forces rescued 104 hostages held by 'terrorists' after the Jaffar Express train...
Islamabad [Pakistan], March 12 (ANI): The United States denied entry to Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Ahsan Wagan, and...
The staunch NATO critic has been barred from running for the country's top office ...
The US president has announced he will double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, reiterating his desire to annex the country ...
Negotiations will reportedly take place on Tuesday or Wednesday after Kiev agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal US President Donald...