Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire with Russia

JEDDAH, Mar 12 (Arab News): Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia took place in Jeddah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The administration of US President Donald Trump agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Kyiv signaled that it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, pending Moscow's agreement, American and Ukrainian officials said following the talks.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin.

"We're going to tell them this is what's on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it'll be up to them to say yes or no," Rubio said.

The talks were held at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and took place in the presence of the Kingdom's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

The US was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, while Ukraine was represented by the head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The talks come within the Kingdom's efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, thanks to its balanced relations with various parties, and as part of its efforts to enhance global security and peace, SPA said.

They are based on Saudi Arabia's belief in the importance of adhering to international laws and norms, and that dialogue is the most successful means of resolving disputes and bringing viewpoints closer together, SPA added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the Kingdom early on Tuesday morning after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a brief visit before the talks started.

After the meeting, Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending the crisis in Ukraine in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.