Ukraine Says Yes to U.S.-Proposed 30-Day Ceasefire

In a significant development aimed at halting the ongoing war, Ukraine announced its acceptance of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia following high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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The agreement comes as Washington resumes military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which had been paused after a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month.

Key Terms of the Ceasefire

The proposed ceasefire, outlined in a joint statement by the United States and Ukraine, would halt missile, drone, and bombing attacks across the Black Sea and along the entire front line. The agreement hinges on Russia’s approval, with both nations emphasizing that Moscow’s participation is critical for achieving peace.

“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire if Russia does the same,” the statement read. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added, “The ball is now in Moscow’s court. We hope they’ll say yes to peace.”

Ukrainian officials described the ceasefire as a necessary step toward broader peace negotiations and long-term security guarantees. “This is a positive step,” Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, wrote on social media. “The whole world will see who truly wants to end the war.”

The talks in Jeddah also marked a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with Washington lifting its freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing. This decision comes after weeks of strained ties following Trump’s public criticism of Zelensky during their Oval Office meeting.

The resumption of support was welcomed by Kyiv, with Ukrainian military adviser Col. Pavlo Palisa suggesting that the restoration of aid played a role in Ukraine’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal. “We are ready for a full ceasefire,” Palisa said, “and in return, the United States agrees to resume security assistance and intelligence sharing.”

While Ukraine and the United States have agreed on terms, Russia has yet to respond formally to the proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is reviewing the plan but has not indicated whether it will accept the terms. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously expressed skepticism about ceasefires, arguing they could allow Ukraine to regroup militarily.

During his annual news conference in December, Putin remarked, “We do not need a truce; we need peace—a long-term and lasting peace.” Analysts suggest that Moscow may demand concessions from Kyiv, such as ruling out NATO membership, before agreeing to any ceasefire.

Broader Implications

The ceasefire proposal comes amid heightened tensions following what Russian officials described as the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow since the war began. The conflict has now entered its fourth year, with over one million soldiers killed or wounded on both sides and nearly 700 miles of trenches cutting through eastern Ukraine.

The talks also addressed humanitarian relief efforts during the proposed ceasefire and plans for prisoner exchanges. Additionally, both nations agreed to finalize an economic deal aimed at developing Ukraine’s oil, gas, and mineral resources—an agreement delayed by recent diplomatic tensions.

President Trump expressed optimism about further progress, telling reporters he plans to speak with Putin soon. “Ukraine has agreed to it, and hopefully Russia will agree too,” Trump said. “If we can get Russia to do it, that’ll be great. If not, unfortunately, people are going to keep getting killed.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the developments as “an important moment for peace in Ukraine” but emphasized that Russia must now demonstrate its willingness to end the war.

As diplomatic efforts continue, all eyes remain on Moscow’s response to what could be a pivotal moment in resolving one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts in recent history.