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Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire in its conflict with its northern neighbor, and awaits Russia's response.
It comes as US officials sat down with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia today (March 11) to discuss plans to end the country's ongoing war with Russia.
Addressing cameras in Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pleaded with Russia to sign the ceasefire. Rubio said: "Hopefully we'll take this offer now to the Russians and we hope that they'll say yes, they'll say yes to peace.
"The ball is now in their court, but again the president's objective here number one above everything else he wants the war to end, and I think today Ukraine has taken a concrete step in that regard. We hope the Russians will reciprocate."
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Russia invaded parts of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and currently occupies almost 20 percent of the country. Since then, the US has provided the equivalent of $65.9 billion in military assistance, according to the State Department.
Following the successful talks, the US and Ukraine released a joint statement. It 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.
"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.
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"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."
It continued: "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.
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"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."
Joe Yates