What is the US-proposed 30-day Ukraine ceasefire deal about?
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A resident rides a bicycle near the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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KYIV - Ukraine said it would support Washington’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after what Kyiv said were “milestone” talks during which the United States agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
After more than eight hours of negotiations
What is the agreement about?
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, the joint statement says.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address that the US proposed taking a full interim ceasefire, stopping missile, drone and bomb attacks, not only in the Black Sea but also along the entire front line.
“Ukraine is ready to accept this proposal – we see it as a positive step and are ready to take it,” Mr Zelensky said.
What else was agreed?
The US said it would immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials said late on March 11 that both aid and intelligence sharing have resumed.
In March 11’s joint statement, the two countries said they agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources.
The minerals agreement has been in the works for weeks and was thrown into limbo after an acrimonious White House meeting on Feb 28 between US President Donald Trump, who has long been a Ukraine aid sceptic, and Mr Zelensky.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
Both sides agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin peace negotiations.
What happens next?
The agreement is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. US officials said they would take the agreement to Moscow.
Mr Trump’s national security adviser, Mr Mike Waltz, was due to meet his Russian counterpart in the coming days and Mr Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week to meet Mr Putin.
Mr Trump said that he might speak with Mr Putin this week
The Russian foreign ministry said after the US-Ukraine talks on March 11 only that it did not rule out contacts with US representatives. REUTERS
