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By Staff Writer with Agencies
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — In a significant diplomatic move, Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in its war with Russia, according to a joint statement released by both governments on Tuesday. The truce, which aims to pave the way for long-term peace negotiations, will take effect only if Russia agrees to the same terms.
The agreement follows over eight hours of high-level negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
“Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking,” Rubio told reporters after the talks, emphasizing that the U.S. will now take the offer to Moscow. “The ball is in their court.”
The ceasefire plan outlines an immediate halt to hostilities, including missile, drone, and bomb attacks across the entire frontline and the Black Sea. It also allows for humanitarian measures such as the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
U.S. Restores Military Support
As part of the agreement, Washington has committed to restoring intelligence-sharing and security assistance to Kyiv, a reversal of its previous decision to suspend military aid. However, U.S. officials clarified that the ceasefire deal does not include any agreements on Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, a topic that has been a point of tension between Kyiv and Washington.
Rubio downplayed speculation about strained ties between Trump and Zelenskyy, saying, “This is serious business. It’s not a reality TV show.”
Ongoing Conflict: Ukraine Strikes Russian Targets
Even as the ceasefire agreement was announced, Ukraine launched a major strike on strategic Russian targets, including the Moscow Oil Refinery, a crucial fuel supplier to the Russian capital. According to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the refinery provides 40-50% of Moscow’s diesel and gasoline supply. Kyiv justified the attack as an effort to disrupt Russia’s logistical and economic support for its war effort.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that 343 Ukrainian drones were shot down, with heavy activity over Moscow and the border region of Kursk. The situation remains tense as Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian advances.
What’s Next?
The ceasefire proposal now depends on Moscow’s response. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated that talks with U.S. officials may happen in the coming days, though skepticism remains over whether President Vladimir Putin will agree to the terms.
With no long-term peace deal in place, the 30-day truce—if accepted—will serve as a temporary pause in the conflict, with the potential for further negotiations to secure a lasting resolution.
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