Kyiv, Ukraine — After another round of high-stakes peace talks, Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-backed proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
The ball, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it, is now in Russia’s court.
The proposed truce, which would be extendable by mutual agreement, still hinges on Moscow’s acceptance and implementation.
U.S. officials say they’re hopeful but cautious as they take the offer to Russian leadership.
POTUS: Ukraine just agreed to a ceasefire “a little while ago. Now we have to go to Russia and hopefully President Putin will agree to that also and we can get this show on the road… We want to get that war over with.”
Will Russia Agree? The Pressure Mounts
Rubio, a central figure in negotiations held in Jeddah, made it clear that Washington expects a decisive answer from the Kremlin.
“We’ll take this offer now to the Russians and hope they say yes,” Rubio told reporters. “If they refuse, we’ll unfortunately know what the real roadblock to peace is.”
Unlike previous ceasefire discussions that focused on limited no-fly zones or maritime corridors, this proposal is broader—it calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities.
Rubio emphasized the urgency, pointing to the ongoing loss of life.
“People died yesterday, they’ll die today, and without a ceasefire, they’ll die tomorrow,” he said. “The priority is to stop the shooting.”
🚨 SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO: We’ve offered Ukraine an immediate ceasefire. They accepted. We will now take this to the Russians. The ball is now in their court.
Zelensky’s Team: A ‘Just Peace’ Is Non-Negotiable
Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky and a key negotiator in the talks, reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to securing a fair resolution.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he stressed that Kyiv’s interests must remain protected, calling a “just peace” the ultimate goal.
Ukraine’s backing of the truce aligns with its broader diplomatic strategy—securing a settlement that ensures its sovereignty while bringing an end to the war.
Beyond the Battlefield: What About the Minerals Deal?
Amid speculation about a rare minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., Rubio clarified that the ceasefire talks and economic negotiations were separate matters.
“The minerals deal wasn’t the focus today,” he said, though he confirmed that both governments are working toward finalizing it.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the world now waits for Moscow’s response.
Will Russia accept the ceasefire, or will the war grind on? That answer could come sooner rather than later.
