Ukraine says ready for 30-day ceasefire with Russia
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump welcomed Ukraine's decision to push for a ceasefire with Russia. The announcement came after Ukrainian officials met US representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire after more than eight hours of talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will now make an offer to Russia, leaving the ball in Moscow's court.
Trump's appeal
Ceasefire crucial to end 'horrible' war
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Trump emphasized the need for a ceasefire, saying, "People are being killed in the cities as things explode throughout the cities. We want to get that war over with." "If we can get Russia to do it, that'll be great. If we can't, we just keep going on and people are going to get killed, lots of people," he added.
Assistance resumed
US to resume military aid, intelligence sharing
Following Ukraine's acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, the US has agreed to resume military assistance and intelligence sharing with them. "The President wanted this war to end yesterday. So, our hope is that the Russians will answer 'yes' as quickly as possible," said Rubio. After the Saudi Arabia meeting, both countries also agreed to conclude "as soon as possible" a deal securing US access to Ukraine's mineral wealth.
Diplomatic efforts
Trump to speak with Putin, invite Zelenskyy
Trump has said he will speak with Vladimir Putin this week. He'll also invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back for talks. The announcement comes after a heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last month. It was far from certain how Moscow would respond. Although Putin has said he is open to discussing a peace deal, he and his diplomats have repeatedly said they oppose a ceasefire and would instead seek a deal protecting Russia's long-term security.