Ukraine says ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia

ISTANBUL: Ukraine on Tuesday conveyed its readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as delegations from Kyiv and Washington met in Saudi Arabia, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

"Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the United States (US) proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation," said a joint statement released following the talks held in Jeddah.

Indicating that both countries took important steps to restore "durable peace" for Ukraine, the statement said Washington will convey to the Russian side the need for Moscow's reciprocity to achieve a settlement.

According to the statement, the US will immediately lift the pause on its intelligence sharing with Ukraine, as well as resume security assistance to Kyiv.

It further said that the Ukrainian delegation, during the talks, reiterated that Kyiv's partners in Europe shall be involved in the peace process.

"Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations towards an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine's long-term security," it also said, highlighting the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the ceasefire proposed.

"Lastly, both countries' presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine's critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine's economy and guarantee Ukraine's long-term prosperity and security," it added.

The meeting between the US and Ukrainian delegations comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Gulf country, where he held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

-- BERNAMA

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