Ukraine and the United States reached an agreement according to which Kiev is willing to accept President Donald Trump's proposal to implement a 30-day ceasefire, with the aim of moving toward lasting peace.
Both parties issued a joint statement after nearly nine hours of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the United States agreed to immediately resume the exchange of intelligence information and military support to Ukraine regarding the war situation in the context of the Russian invasion.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, described the talks held by both delegations as "constructive" and specified that the ceasefire proposal covers all fronts: air, sea, and land.
In this regard, he pointed out that this proposal will serve to "see if Russia really seeks peace." "Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive and we are willing to take that step," added Zelensky.
Donald Trump y Volodímir Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared after the summit that "now it's up to Russia" to respond, celebrating the "positive step" taken by Ukraine and expressing hope that Moscow will show "reciprocity."
Regarding the possible timelines for the truce to take effect, Rubio noted that "there is no set date," but he hopes it will be "as soon as possible."
Additionally, Rubio commented that Washington will hold a meeting with G-7 leaders "in the coming days," where peace in Ukraine will be discussed. Regarding the agreement they are negotiating with Kiev for the exploitation of minerals and rare earths, Rubio indicated that it has not yet been finalized, but they "will work to finalize the details."
Finally, the White House described the meeting held in Jeddah between the United States and Ukraine delegations to negotiate the end of the war as "positive" and "productive."
"The news we have received from that meeting throughout the day, which has been reported to the president (Donald Trump), is positive. This meeting has been productive," declared Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, at a press conference.
Donald Trump y Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, the high-level Ukrainian delegation emphasized that the meetings in the Saudi city took place in a "constructive" atmosphere. "The constructive atmosphere shows that we can seize this opportunity. Ukraine desires peace like no one else," expressed on social media by Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andriy Sibiga.
A major breakthrough
This meeting marks the first time a meeting between the leaders of both countries has been held in Saudi Arabia in the context of Washington's efforts to foster negotiations between Moscow and Kiev to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation is headed by the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and presidential advisor on defense matters, military Pavlo Palisa, who studied in the United States and has experience on the battlefield.
On the part of the United States, the delegation is composed of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and the White House representative for the Middle East and close friend of President Donald Trump, Steve Witkloff.
