Zelensky agrees to a 30-day ceasefire deal but says the ‘ball is now in Russia’s court’

11 March 2025 , 20:52

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Zelensky agrees to a 30-day ceasefire deal but says the ‘ball is now in Russia’s court’

Ukraine’s president says he is willing to accept a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire – but says the US ‘must convince’ Russia to agree to it as well.

Volodymyr Zelensky made the statement after a meeting between senior US and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, earlier today.

He said Ukraine has been seeking peace ‘from the very first second of this war’ and hopes to achieve it in a reliable way ‘so that war does not return’.

During the meeting with US officials, Ukraine proposed three key points – silence in the skies, silence at sea, and the release of prisoners of war and detainees.

Mr Zelensky added: ‘Ukraine is ready to accept this proposal – we see it as a positive step and are ready to take it.

‘Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show its readiness to end the war or continue the war. It is time for the full truth.

A joint statement from the US and Ukrainian delegations earlier today confirmed the two countries will conclude a minerals deal ‘as soon as possible’ after relations between them soured following a highly confrontational meeting in the White House.

Mr Zelensky said the discussion between Ukraine and the US was ‘good and constructive’ and lasted for most of the day.

He added: ‘I am grateful to President Trump for the constructive conversation between our teams.

‘During today’s talks, the US side proposed taking an even bigger first step – a 30-day full interim ceasefire, not only stopping missile, drone and bomb attacks, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the talks a ‘remarkable breakthrough’ and also said the ball is now in Russia’s court.

He said: ‘Iwarmly welcome the agreement today in Jeddah and congratulate President Trump and President Zelensky for this remarkable breakthrough.

‘This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine and we now all need to redouble our efforts to get to a lasting and secure peace as soon as possible.

‘As both American and Ukrainian delegations have said, the ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting too.’

Emily Hughes