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What Does the US Propose in the Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement? | World News


Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to agree to a ceasefire with Russia, following successful discussions with the US today.

The Ukrainian president stated on Telegram that “we are ready to take this step” and emphasized that the US “must persuade Russia to do the same”.

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After a meeting with officials in Kyiv held in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters that “the ball is now in Russia’s court” and the next step involves Moscow agreeing to the proposed terms.

US President Donald Trump stated, “we aim to conclude the Ukraine war” and remains hopeful for a total ceasefire in the days ahead.

But what have the US and Ukraine agreed upon? Here’s what we know so far…

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‘Do you think you’ll get a ceasefire?’

Immediately following the nine-hour discussions in Jeddah, the US State Department announced the resumption of intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine.

Mr. Zelenskyy confirmed via Telegram that “a crucial aspect of today’s discussion is America’s willingness to restore defensive support to Ukraine, as well as intelligence backing”.

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Analysis: A pause in aid for Ukraine

The United States proposed that both parties should agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire which could subsequently be extended by mutual consent.

A joint declaration from the US and Ukraine indicated that Washington “will convey to Russia that reciprocity on their part is essential for achieving peace”.

The Ukrainian president noted that the proposal not only pertains to rockets, drones, and bombs, nor just in the Black Sea region, but spans the entirety of the front line, although the official statement does not elaborate on this aspect.

Additionally, the joint statement omits any mention of territorial disputes despite Ukraine’s prior demands for Russia to relinquish occupied territories, and the US suggesting that Kyiv may have to concede some land or involve foreign troops for peacekeeping purposes.

The statement also outlined that aid efforts were a topic of discussion as part of the peace negotiations, including matters related to “the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly relocated”.

Ukraine reiterated the involvement of European partners in the peace process and both nations agreed that a deal concerning Kyiv’s mineral resources and rare earths should be finalized promptly.

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How many critical minerals does Ukraine have?

What has Ukraine said?

Mr. Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine agrees to the stipulated terms, adding that “the American side comprehends our arguments” and “accepts our proposals”.

He further expressed gratitude to President Trump for the constructive dialogue between both teams and declared: “Ukraine is prepared for peace.”

“It is now for Russia to demonstrate its willingness to halt the war or to continue it. The moment of truth has arrived.”

Pic: Saudi Press Agency / Reuters
Image:
Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before the arrival of the US delegation. Pic: Saudi Press Agency / Reuters

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, who participated in the Jeddah talks, lauded the meeting as a significant step forward “towards peace and in strengthening the strategic Ukraine-US partnership” on social media.

Speaking to Sky News’ Mark Austin, Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko remarked that “we will have to wait and observe the outcomes,” but noted that “clearly this is a positive development.”

“On the surface, it’s encouraging,” she stated. “If we can negotiate a 30-day ceasefire with the Russians, it would provide a respite for our soldiers at the front lines…”

Nonetheless, she cautioned that “in past years, Russia has demonstrated a complete failure to grasp the concept of a ceasefire and adhere to its fundamental principles, which include refraining from weapon fire.”

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What has the US said?

Mr. Rubio indicated that the next step will entail delivering the offer to Russia, stating: “We will inform them of the proposals; Ukraine is ready to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue, and now it’s up to Russia to respond positively or negatively.”

“I hope they’ll agree, and if they do, I believe we will have made considerable strides.”

Mr. Trump echoed this sentiment outside the White House, asserting that Ukraine has consented to the “total ceasefire” and expressed hope that “Russia will consent as well.”

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‘I’ll talk to Vladimir Putin’

He added he would be speaking to Vladimir Putin soon, cautioning the Russian president that “it takes two to tango”.

How has Russia reacted?

So far, there has been no formal response to the proposal, apart from acknowledging Mr. Trump’s remarks regarding talks scheduled for the upcoming week.

However, prior to the pivotal discussions in Jeddah, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Mr. Zelenskyy is not interested in peace.

According to reports from state news agency TASS, Mr. Lavrov remarked: “Mr. Zelenskyy openly declares that he does not desire any ceasefire unless the Americans assure him they would execute a nuclear strike on Russia if required.”

He framed the issue similarly, indicating that currently, “[a peace talk] is not genuine.”

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While Mr. Zelenskyy has not requested the US to launch nuclear strikes against Russia, he indicated last month that Ukraine should receive nuclear capabilities if NATO accession talks are prolonged for years.



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