Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire with Russia
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Ukraine reportedly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after nearly three years of a protracted and devastating war.
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President Donald Trump, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in its conflict with Russia following discussions with US officials in Saudi Arabia, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.
The United States prepares to present the proposal to Moscow after an agreement was reached during talks in Jeddah.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington will take Ukraine's offer to Russia, emphasizing that the next step lies with Moscow. "The ball is now in their court," Rubio stated.
As part of the discussions, the United States announced an immediate resumption of intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine.
The temporary suspension of intelligence exchange had raised concerns in Kiev, but the latest agreement signals renewed US commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
According to a joint statement, the United States and Ukraine decided to sign a comprehensive deal to develop Ukraine's vital mineral resources as soon as feasible during the discussions in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine rejects ceasefire
Earlier in the day, the advisor to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office stated on Monday that Ukraine had rejected a land ceasefire, claiming it would allow Russian ground forces to "regroup and resume hostilities later".
Serhiy Leshchenko said that Ukraine is not averse to a ceasefire, however, any potential agreement must not provide Russia with any advantage.
He also seemingly responded to US President Donald Trump's questions regarding Kiev's plan to end the conflict, saying Ukraine proposed several potential deals and initiatives that include ceasing air and sea operations, as well as attacks on energy facilities.
However, he stressed that Ukraine refuses a land ceasefire to prevent Russia's forces from regrouping and resuming their ground operations at a later date.
"You want a ceasefire—we are ready. But not on land, where Putin can take a few months to heal the wounded, recruit infantry from North Korea, and restart this war," he said.
US intelligence sharing suspension hampers Ukraine Kursk operations
In this context, it is worth noting that the suspension of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine has created significant challenges for Ukrainian forces operating in Russia’s Kursk Region, The New York Times reported on Monday, citing Ukrainian soldiers.
The United States has temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a notable rift between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday.
The decision comes after a public disagreement between the two leaders during a meeting in the Oval Office last week, which also led to the suspension of critical US military aid to Ukraine.
A senior US military official, speaking to The New York Times on condition of anonymity, stated that the pause had made it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to detect and attack Russian positions in the Kursk Region, as well as limiting their ability to strike high-value targets.
The newspaper reported that Russian forces are advancing rapidly in the region, while Ukrainian officials are reportedly hoping to use the attack on Kursk as leverage in negotiations to end the conflict.
US, Ukraine to sign minerals deal
In addition to the ceasefire discussions, the United States and Ukraine reached an understanding to finalize a comprehensive agreement for the development of Ukraine's critical mineral resources.
According to the joint statement, both nations' presidents agreed to expedite the deal, which aims to strengthen Ukraine's economy, offset the cost of US assistance, and ensure the country's long-term prosperity and security.
The talks in Jeddah underline ongoing US-Ukraine cooperation amid the ongoing conflict, with Washington reaffirming its support for Kiev while seeking diplomatic avenues to de-escalate tensions with Moscow.
