From Tension to Truce? Ukraine Agrees to Ceasefire as US Restores Aid

The Ukraine conflict may be on the horizon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States. This development follows crucial peace talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, suggesting a possible path toward de-escalation."

Zelensky emphasized that the ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine extends across the entire frontline of the fighting with Russia, encompassing not just air and sea but also the land war. 'Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step, and the United States of America must convince Russia to do so,' Zelensky stated, placing the onus on Moscow to agree to the terms.

In a significant shift, the United States, in a joint statement with Ukraine released after the Jeddah meeting, declared that it would 'immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.' A Ukrainian official confirmed on Tuesday that US security assistance to Ukraine had indeed resumed, indicating a concrete step towards renewed support for Kyiv.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking shortly after the meeting, expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, stating that 'the onus is now on Russia to take steps to end the war. We hope that they’ll say yes, that they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court,' signaling a clear message to Moscow to engage constructively.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the news and indicated his intention to discuss the plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially within the week, suggesting a high-level diplomatic push to advance the ceasefire initiative.

On Wednesday, Zelensky expressed confidence that Kyiv 'can expect' the US to take 'strong steps' against Russia if Moscow were to reject the ceasefire proposal. 'I don’t know details, but we are talking about respective sanction actions and strengthening of Ukraine,' Zelensky told reporters at a news conference in Kyiv. 'Everything depends on Russia. The US took steps, and Ukraine made (its) position clear. Now Russia needs to respond,' Zelensky stated, highlighting the pressure being placed on Russia to agree to the ceasefire.

Tuesday’s talks occurred at a critical juncture in the war, with Moscow’s forces continuing to advance in the Kursk region of Russia – where Ukraine launched a shock incursion in August – potentially jeopardizing Kyiv’s territorial leverage. The US-Ukraine joint statement underscored that Kyiv had 'expressed readiness to accept the US 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 statement further clarified that 'The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace,' outlining the US role in facilitating the agreement.

Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s proposals for the ceasefire, which included 'silence' in the sky and at sea, the release of Ukrainian prisoners 'to establish confidence in this whole situation,' and the return of Ukrainian children from Russia. These demands reflect Ukraine's priorities in any potential peace agreement.

In a move to strengthen Ukraine's economy and long-term security, the two sides also agreed to conclude a rare minerals deal 'as soon as possible,' demonstrating a commitment to building a more resilient future for Ukraine.

These developments will be a significant relief for Kyiv, especially after the extraordinarily public blowup between Trump and Ukraine’s leader less than two weeks ago, highlighting the potential for improved relations between the two nations.

The Ukrainian delegation, which did not include Zelensky, engaged in crucial discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Notably, both Rubio and Waltz had participated in direct talks with Russia last month, indicating a concerted diplomatic effort to engage both sides of the conflict.

Posted on: Mon Mar 24 2025 Back to posts