According to government sources. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for an immediate 30-day ceasefire but emphasized that the US must persuade Russia to agree. This development follows talks in Saudi Arabia and a week of concerted European efforts, led by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to mend relations between the US and Ukraine. Starmer hailed the agreement as a “remarkable breakthrough” and a significant step toward peace in Ukraine.
Russia has yet to respond to the ceasefire proposal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the “ball is now in their court.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced the reinstatement of military aid to Ukraine and the resumption of intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, reversing a previous halt triggered by tensions between Donald Trump and Zelensky.
Behind the scenes, UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell collaborated with US, German, and French officials to draft a ceasefire plan. This proposal includes a temporary halt to fighting, confidence-building measures like prisoner exchanges, the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, and the release of civilians. The plan was agreed upon by Ukraine and the US, paving the way for discussions in Saudi Arabia.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, urging Russia to agree to the ceasefire. He also announced a phone call with leaders of the “coalition of the willing” to discuss peacekeeping efforts and deter future Russian aggression. The European teams aim to shift the focus onto Russia, questioning whether it genuinely seeks peace.
The conflict, now in its third year, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions of displaced civilians. Recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, including missile strikes in Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih and an assault on a cargo ship in Odessa, have further escalated tensions.
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