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Topics: Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, News, World News, Politics
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, News, World News, Politics
The US and Ukraine have released a joint statement following a monumental meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Today, officials from both countries sat down to discuss plans to end Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia.
Russia invaded parts of Ukraine in 2022 and has since occupied almost 20 percent of Ukrainian-run land.
Now, following successful talks in Saudi Arabia between the likes of Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine and the US have released a joint statement.
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Part of 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 statement continued, as per Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's official website: "The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the US 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."
Donald Trump stopped all military aid to the warn-torn country earlier this month after his chaotic meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28.
"The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the above mentioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children," the announcement continued.
"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."