Ukraine agrees to immediate 30-Day ceasefire in war against Russia; U.S. to resume security aid

Ukraine has agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire in its war against Russia following negotiations with the United States in Saudi Arabia. In return, the U.S. announced it will resume security aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

The joint statement was released after nine hours of talks in Jeddah, stating that the ceasefire can be extended by mutual agreement and is conditional on acceptance and implementation by Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Russia to agree to the ceasefire, stating that the ball is now in their court.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the proposal as a "positive step" and expressed hope that Russia would agree to the ceasefire. He emphasized that Ukraine had proposed three key points: a halt to aerial attacks, cessation of naval strikes, and confidence-building measures, including the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia.

The agreement on a ceasefire marks a significant step toward ending the war that has lasted for over three years, but its implementation now depends on Russia’s response to the proposal.