Ukraine has expressed readiness to agree to a proposed 30-day ceasefire deal in the ongoing war with Russia after the US promised it would restore its military assistance to the country during recent ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia.
Agreement Terms
A joint statement by both countries at the end of the meeting read: “The US will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine also “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 United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace,”. The statement concluded.
Ball now in Russia’s Court
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said “the ball is now in Russia’s court” after Ukraine agreed to the proposed ceasefire.
Speaking after the high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Mr Rubio said Ukraine and the US had taken a “positive step” and hopes Russia will reciprocate.
Mr Rubio said the US would now “take the offer” to Russia and the “number one” goodwill gesture Moscow can make is to say yes.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table, Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking, and now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” he said.
“I hope they’re going to say yes, and if they do then I think we made great progress.”
This ceasefire deal is a milestone in the bid to end the lingering Russia – Ukraine war following the ill fated meeting between President Zelensky and President Donald Trump last month.
