Ukraine accepts US ceasefire proposal, backs immediate negotiations with Russia

Following a meeting between delegations from both countries in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine agreed to support the United States' proposal to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, which must now respond by confirming the terms as well. In addition, Washington will lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a statement following the meeting between senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, saying the Ukrainian delegation's proposal included three issues: "silence in the skies" and at sea, and "real confidence-building measures," including the release of prisoners.

"The American side understands our arguments and accepts our proposals. I want to thank President Trump for the constructive nature of the conversation between our teams," the Ukrainian president said. For his part, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said the Ukrainian delegation made it "very clear" that it "shares President Trump's vision of peace" and, in that regard, "made concrete measures and proposals." Waltz told reporters he will speak with his Russian counterpart "in the coming days."

For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will meet with G7 foreign ministers in the coming days, affirmed that Ukraine and the United States have taken a "positive step" and assured that the United States will now "take this offer" to the Russians. "The ball is in their court. We're going to tell them: this is what's on the table," he said.

"Ukraine is willing to stop shooting and start talking, and now it's their turn to say yes or no," Rubio said, adding, "I hope they say yes. If they do, I think we'll have made a lot of progress. If they say no, unfortunately, we'll know what the impediment to peace is."