Ukraine has accepted a U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent on Moscow’s agreement to the same terms, according to a joint statement from Kyiv and Washington following high-stakes talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The ceasefire proposal, which could be extended by mutual agreement, marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. In response, the United States has announced the immediate resumption of military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, which had been suspended, raising concerns in Kyiv over its battlefield effectiveness.
U.S. officials described the agreement as a critical step toward negotiations, with President Donald Trump stating that the “ball is now in Russia’s court.” Trump expressed optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to the ceasefire, saying, “I’ll talk to Vladimir Putin; it takes two to tango.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the agreement “remarkable” and reiterated the UK’s readiness to support efforts for a “just and permanent” resolution. Starmer also announced plans to convene international leaders on Saturday to discuss the next steps.
This diplomatic breakthrough comes after weeks of tense negotiations and mounting global pressure for a pause in hostilities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to “stop shooting and start talking,” highlighting the shift in Washington’s stance toward pressuring Moscow to engage in peace talks.
The agreement extends beyond the limited truce initially suggested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which would have applied only to long-range missile and drone strikes and military operations in the Black Sea. Instead, the proposed ceasefire covers ground, sea, and air combat.
While Ukrainian officials have welcomed the U.S.-led initiative, concerns remain over Russia’s response. Previous ceasefire proposals, including those from Britain and France, have been rejected by the Kremlin. Moscow has yet to formally respond to the latest U.S.-Ukraine agreement, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged caution, warning Russians against having a “rose-tinted spectacle” view of Trump’s role in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, key diplomatic efforts continue in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to meet with President Trump in Washington to discuss NATO’s role and the U.S. commitment to the alliance. European defense leaders are also gathering in Paris to outline a potential peacekeeping force should the ceasefire hold.
Discussions in Paris have revolved around a Franco-British plan to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, including the deployment of thousands of peacekeeping troops in key cities such as Kyiv, Odessa, and Lviv. An aerial no-fly zone and a maritime security presence are also being considered.
While Britain and France have signaled willingness to contribute troops, over 20 nations have expressed interest in providing logistical and financial support. Further high-level meetings are expected as European leaders assess how to enforce a potential ceasefire and deter future escalations.
As international efforts intensify, all eyes are on Russia’s response. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Moscow to present the ceasefire proposal. Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Andriy Yermak, expressed gratitude to President Trump for facilitating the breakthrough, while European allies remain cautiously optimistic about the prospect of peace.
Whether Russia agrees to the ceasefire remains uncertain, but the latest diplomatic developments mark a pivotal moment in efforts to de-escalate the war and chart a path toward long-term stability in the region.
