Zelenskyy accepts US proposal for 30-day ceasefire amid Ukraine war

In Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions aimed at achieving a full ceasefire with Russia. The two sides discussed various proposals, with Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire plan originally put forth by the US during a seven-hour negotiation session. While Zelenskyy expressed determination to end the conflict, he emphasized that the ball is now in Russia's court regarding the acceptance of this truce. He reaffirmed Ukraine's stance of not recognizing any occupied territories by Russia, which remains a critical issue in future peace talks. Concurrently, the Biden administration announced the resumption of military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing, viewed as a significant step in bolstering Ukraine’s defenses during the ongoing war. This move signals a renewed commitment from the US to support Ukraine militarily, and reinforces the idea that a ceasefire could provide a necessary pause in hostilities, potentially allowing for productive dialogue and future negotiations aimed at a lasting peace agreement. However, concerns linger on whether Russia will comply, given its recent gains in territory. US officials have noted the difficulty President Vladimir Putin may face in accepting a ceasefire while Russia holds strategic advantages in the conflict. Some sources within Russia expressed reservations about the truce, indicating that they perceive the ceasefire as potentially beneficial for Ukraine, allowing them to regroup and rearm. Thus, despite the positive developments from the negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the situation remains precarious, with a reliance on Russia's response. Zelenskyy’s readiness to accept the ceasefire comes amidst fears that prolonged warfare may further devastate Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian life. The US has aimed to create a sense of urgency for a resolution to end the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for three years. The coming days will reveal whether Russia is willing to reciprocate and engage constructively in the peace process, or if they will continue military operations, undermining the earlier advancements made through diplomatic talks.