In a significant development toward de-escalating the ongoing conflict, Ukraine agreed Tuesday to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, according to a joint statement from the U.S. State Department and Ukraine. The deal, brokered during negotiations led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia, is contingent on approval from the Kremlin.
The ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement, marks a potential turning point in the three-year war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and cost the U.S. over $170 billion in aid. As part of the agreement, the U.S. has pledged to “immediately” restore weapons and intelligence assistance to Ukraine during the interim period.
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“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation,” the joint statement read. “The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.”
The proposal comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations. Just days ago, Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow, targeting Russian infrastructure in retaliation for a massive Kremlin-led assault on Ukrainian facilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia, signaling a tougher stance against Moscow.
President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow on Thursday to discuss the ceasefire proposal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Axios. However, it remains unclear whether Putin will accept the terms of the deal.
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The ceasefire talks follow a tumultuous period in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently apologized for a heated exchange with President Trump in the Oval Office, which derailed negotiations over a mineral extraction deal. Zelenskyy has since reiterated his commitment to both the mineral agreement and achieving peace.
Secretary of State Rubio emphasized the importance of Russian cooperation in making the ceasefire a reality. “The ball is in their court,” Rubio said Tuesday, underscoring the need for reciprocity from Moscow.
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The State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
As the world watches closely, the proposed ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for ending a devastating conflict that has strained global stability and claimed countless lives. Whether the Kremlin will seize this opportunity for peace remains to be seen.
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