The US will resume providing intelligence sharing and 'security assistance' to Ukraine after delegations for the two countries met in Saudi Arabia today (11 March).
The joint statement between the delegations said that Ukraine had accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire that would last for 30 days and could be extended, and it could be put in place if Russia accepted it as well.
The statement read: "Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine.
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"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 Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.
"Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the 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. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.
"The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
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"The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the abovementioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
"Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations toward an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine’s long-term security. The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia. The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process.
"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, offset the cost of American assistance, and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that they would 'take this offer now to the Russians', and it was his 'hope' that Putin's government would agree to it.
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Rubio said that the 'ball is in their court' now, and that the ceasefire deal on the table was to 'stop the shooting' and not just the pause on aerial and maritime fighting.
At a press conference after the joint statement he said: "Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking."
He added if Russia said no to the US-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine was willing to agree to 'then we'll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here'.
Earlier this month, Donald Trump had suspended US aid to Ukraine and paused intelligence sharing to their military in a move which was bound to hamper their efforts to fight off Russia's invasion on the battlefield.
Joe Harker