US-Ukraine Agree on '30-Day Ceasefire'... Only Putin's Decision Remains

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The United States and Ukraine reached a sudden agreement on a '30-day ceasefire plan' on the 11th (local time). The US plans to immediately resume military aid to Ukraine while communicating with Russia to persuade them to accept the ceasefire. Both countries also agreed to conclude the mineral agreement, which was suspended after the White House summit breakdown last month, as soon as possible. This has accelerated discussions to end the Ukraine war that has continued for over three years.

◇Ukraine Agrees to 'Temporary Ceasefire'

According to AFP, the US and Ukraine announced this joint statement following a high-level meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that lasted nine hours. Both countries stated, "Ukraine is prepared to accept the US proposal for a 30-day temporary ceasefire," adding that "it can be extended by mutual agreement, provided Russia accepts and implements it." The two countries also agreed to form a negotiation team to discuss ways to guarantee Ukraine's long-term security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Ukraine welcomes the US 30-day ceasefire proposal," emphasizing that "we are ready for immediate implementation, and the US should persuade Russia to accept it."

This statement comes just 11 days after US President Donald Trump and President Zelensky clashed during their White House summit on the 28th of last month. The US and Ukraine also agreed to promptly conclude the mineral agreement that was suspended after last month's summit breakdown. Regarding the mineral agreement, both countries stated they "agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement for the development of critical mineral resources as soon as possible to expand Ukraine's economy and ensure its security."

Besides the ceasefire agreement, the meeting also discussed comprehensive humanitarian measures, including prisoner of war exchanges, release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia.

◇US-Russia High-Level Discussions Expected to Accelerate

With the US and Ukraine suddenly agreeing to a temporary ceasefire, attention is now focused on whether Russia will consent. The US and Russia are expected to hold discussions between officials soon, and coordinate Russia's acceptance of the ceasefire proposal through a phone call between the leaders this week. If Russia accepts the ceasefire proposal, it would be the first month-long silence of gunfire since the war broke out in February 2022.

The US is expected to pressure Russia to accept the ceasefire proposal. The statement included that "the US will immediately lift the suspension of intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine" and "will convey to Russia that reciprocity is key to achieving peace."

Immediately after the statement was released, President Trump said at the White House, "I hope Russian President Vladimir Putin also agrees to an immediate ceasefire," adding that "US and Russian officials will meet on the 11th or 12th." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said, "The ball is now in Russia's court," adding, "Ukraine has taken positive steps, and we hope Russia will respond in kind." He also emphasized, "This ceasefire plan is about stopping the shooting," and "We hope Russia will say 'yes.'"

However, Russia has been negative about a short-term ceasefire plan. President Putin recently stated, "A firm agreement is needed to finally resolve the war, and a short-term ceasefire plan is unacceptable." The Russian Foreign Ministry also maintains a hard-line stance, saying, "Any suspension measures are absolutely impossible."

Reporter Lee So-hyun y2eonlee@hankyung.com