JUST IN: Zelenskyy Backs Down, Agrees To Trump’s Peace Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to a ceasefire plan proposed by the United States following critical discussions in Saudi Arabia. The agreement, announced in a joint statement by U.S. and Ukrainian officials, signals a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe.

The development comes after months of stalled negotiations and mounting global pressure for a peaceful resolution. The ceasefire, contingent upon Russian reciprocity, would mark the first major de-escalation since the war began.

The breakthrough was made public in a joint statement following a high-level meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted under the mediation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The statement outlined the terms of the agreement and confirmed Ukraine’s “readiness to accept” the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S.

“Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace,” the statement read.

The ceasefire plan, which can be extended by mutual agreement, hinges on Russian participation and compliance. The United States has made it clear that a peaceful resolution depends on Russia’s willingness to adhere to the agreement.

As part of the agreement, the Trump administration has committed to lifting its pause on intelligence-sharing and resuming security assistance to Ukraine. The suspension of U.S. military aid had raised concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russian aggression.

Additionally, both sides discussed humanitarian concerns as part of the deal, with a focus on the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. The president has long argued that peace could be achieved quickly if Ukraine and Russia were willing to come to the table. Now, as the ceasefire takes shape, his approach appears to have borne fruit.

Zelenskyy’s statement expressed “strong gratitude to President Trump” for his role in making “meaningful progress toward peace” possible, an acknowledgment of Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Moving forward, Ukraine and the U.S. will begin negotiations for a long-term peace agreement. The plan involves European allies and aims to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security and economic stability, particularly through developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. The U.S. has committed to discussing these proposals with Russian representatives.

For now, the world waits to see whether Putin will accept the ceasefire terms.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The ball is now in their court. We hope the Russians will reciprocate,” during a press conference following a lengthy meeting that spanned over five hours. In this meeting, the U.S. decided to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine and continue sending weapons, reversing a pause that had been in effect for eight days.

After exerting weeks of pressure on Ukraine, the focus has shifted to Russia’s response. Rubio further noted, “If the Russians say no, we will know what the impediment is here,” according to Axios. “Before you negotiate, you need to stop shooting at each other. That’s what the president wanted to see.”

The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea following Ukraine’s pro-Western revolution. Tensions escalated into full-scale war on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched an invasion, citing NATO expansion and alleged threats to Russian-speaking populations.

Ukraine, backed by Western aid, has resisted fiercely, reclaiming some occupied territory. The war has caused immense destruction, global economic disruptions, and significant casualties. Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia.