Ukraine accepted on Tuesday the United States' proposal to establish a total and immediate ceasefire with Russia, initially lasting 30 days and possibly extendable if both parties agree.
The measure, covering operations on land, sea, and air, now depends on the response of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The agreement was reached at a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was reflected in a joint statement between the delegations of Washington and Kyiv.
In the document, both parties emphasized that Russian acceptance is crucial for moving towards peace: "Russian reciprocity is key to achieving peace," the text states.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, expressed his hope that the Russian leader will accept the proposal.
"The most important thing is that Ukraine has just accepted a ceasefire. Now we have to go to Russia and hope that, hopefully, President Putin will accept it as well. And then we can set this in motion," Trump stated from the White House.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also spoke in similar terms from Riyadh: “I hope they say yes, and if they do, I believe we will have made significant progress. If they say no, then we will know what the real obstacle to peace is,” he stated.
These statements reflect a shift in tone in Washington's stance, which in previous days had accused Ukraine of hindering the path to peace while highlighting Putin's apparent willingness to negotiate.
From Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the agreement reached with the U.S. and confirmed that Ukraine will halt hostilities if Russia does the same.
"Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show its willingness to end the war or prolong it. This is the hour of truth," Zelenski stated in a message addressed to the nation.
The Ukrainian leader also urged Washington to pressure Moscow to accept the ceasefire. As part of the agreement, Ukraine and the U.S. have proposed the release of prisoners of war and civilians held during the ceasefire period, as well as the return of Ukrainian minors deported to Russia.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia also prompted Washington to commit to resuming arms deliveries and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, assistance that had been temporarily suspended to pressure Kiev into accepting a ceasefire and opening negotiations with Russia.
In parallel, Ukraine and the U.S. agreed to sign "as soon as possible" an agreement for the joint exploitation of mineral resources in Ukrainian territory. According to the statement, this pact will allow Ukraine to obtain investments and security guarantees, while the U.S. seeks to recoup part of the funds allocated for military support to Kyiv during the war.
The announcement of the ceasefire has generated reactions across Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the agreement as "an important step towards peace" and emphasized that Europe is ready to support a lasting agreement.
For her part, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, agreed that the initiative represents a positive step forward.
"This is a breakthrough that can lead to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The ball is now in Russia's court," they stated in a joint communiqué.
If Russia accepts the ceasefire, the truce could pave the way for a broader peace process. However, the future of the conflict still hinges on Moscow's response and the progress of negotiations in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
What does the proposed ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia consist of?
The proposed ceasefire is an immediate halt to hostilities between Ukraine and Russia for an initial duration of 30 days, which could be extended if both parties agree. The proposal was accepted by Ukraine and presented by the United States, but it still depends on Russia's acceptance for implementation. This cessation of hostilities encompasses operations on land, at sea, and in the air.
What is the role of the United States in the ceasefire proposal between Ukraine and Russia?
The United States has played a key role in proposing a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and has committed to resuming military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Additionally, it has pressured Moscow to accept the truce, emphasizing that Russian reciprocity is essential for achieving peace. The United States has also considered large-scale sanctions against Russia if peace agreements are not reached.
What challenges does the peace process between Ukraine and Russia face?
The main challenge for the peace process is Russia's acceptance of the proposed ceasefire. Without Russian reciprocity, the cessation of hostilities proposed by Ukraine and the United States cannot be implemented. Additionally, there are tensions and distrust between the leaders of Ukraine and the United States, which could complicate negotiations. Another obstacle is Russia's demand that Ukraine renounce its intention to join NATO and recognize occupied territories as Russian.
What does the agreement between the United States and Ukraine regarding mineral resources entail?
The agreement aims for the joint exploitation of mineral resources in Ukrainian territory, which would allow Ukraine to secure investments and guarantees of safety, while the United States seeks to recoup some of the funds allocated for military support to Kiev during the war. This agreement is part of efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian economy and enhance its future security.
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