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After marathon talks in Saudi Arabia between the United States and Ukraine, the stage is now set for a potential shift in the ongoing war with Russia. Following a successful negotiation between the two nations, Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States. But now, it’s all eyes on Moscow. Will Russia accept the truce, or will the war continue?
Ukraine’s Willingness for Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government expressed readiness for peace after nearly three years of devastating conflict. The ceasefire offer, designed to halt hostilities for 30 days, came as a relief to many in Kyiv, especially as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure on the front lines. Zelensky stressed that the ball is now in Russia’s court, urging Moscow to show whether it is truly ready to end the war or continue fighting.
“We’re ready for peace,” Zelensky said after the talks, “but Russia must prove it is too.” Kyiv also submitted its own ceasefire proposals for air and sea operations, which were incorporated into the US’s broader proposal.
US Pushes for Ceasefire with Military Aid in Exchange
The agreement also included a promise from the US to lift the suspension of military aid to Ukraine’s armed forces, which had been withheld as part of ongoing tensions. In return for the ceasefire, Washington also agreed to resume vital intelligence sharing. This deal marks a significant shift, as it signals a new phase in US support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war.
"We made a proposal, which Ukraine accepted: a ceasefire and immediate negotiations," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He added, "Now, the ball is in Russia’s court."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week. Trump expressed optimism, saying he hoped the meeting would foster "good discussions." The details of the conversation remain under wraps, but it is clear that the US hopes to pressure Russia into accepting the ceasefire.
Global Reactions and Europe’s Support
European leaders have welcomed the news of the ceasefire proposal. EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, praised the "positive development" as a step toward achieving a "comprehensive, just, and lasting peace." French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Kir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that this could be a turning point in the war.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni voiced full support for the US initiative, while Ukrainian officials, including Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, assured their commitment to doing everything possible to bring about peace.
Russia’s Response and the Road Ahead
The Kremlin’s reaction to the ceasefire proposal was measured. Russian officials, including spokesman Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that Ukraine must prove its willingness to engage in peace talks. Peskov stated that Russia was looking for “significant steps” from Ukraine before agreeing to any terms.
An influential member of Russia's upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, made it clear that any future settlement would need to align with Moscow’s terms. "Russia is advancing on the fronts," Kosachev remarked, asserting that the terms of any agreement must reflect Russia's current military successes, not what he referred to as "American terms."
With Russia advancing on the battlefield, Kosachev suggested that Moscow would have the upper hand in negotiations. "Washington must understand that real agreements are still being written on the fronts," he added.
What’s Next?
The next move is now in the hands of Russia, as the US and Ukraine have made their proposals clear. While Ukraine and the US await Russia's decision, the world watches closely to see if Moscow will accept the ceasefire or continue its military aggression. This crucial moment could shape the course of the war, with both sides preparing for the next chapter of this ongoing international conflict.
*With information from Reuters, AP News
