Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in its ongoing war with Russia, following a proposal from the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the decision was made to counter narratives suggesting that Ukraine is unwilling to seek peace.
Speaking to Ukrainian media the day after negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Zelenskyy reiterated that he harbours no illusions about Russia’s adherence to any agreements. However, he considered it necessary to accept the U.S. proposal to avoid accusations that Ukraine is obstructing a resolution to the war.
“I have repeatedly stressed: none of us trusts the Russians – we have been through this before. But we will not play along with the narratives that we do not want to end the war, which Russia spreads worldwide. I am serious about ending the war, and it is important to me that the U.S. president, the American people, and Europe see and understand this,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian president confirmed that Kyiv is prepared to observe a 30-day ceasefire under the terms proposed by Washington. However, he emphasised that the implementation of the truce now depends entirely on Moscow’s willingness to reciprocate.
“Today, everything depends on whether Russia wants a ceasefire and silence. America has demonstrated its steps and position, and Ukraine has made its stance very clear, without ambiguity,” Zelenskyy added.
The agreement to accept the ceasefire proposal was reached on 11 March during talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ukraine expressed readiness for an immediate 30-day cessation of hostilities, conditional on a corresponding move by Russia.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, asserting that Moscow would formulate its own position independently.
In addition to agreeing to the ceasefire, Zelenskyy stated that he expects the United States to take strong measures against Russia should Moscow refuse to comply with the proposal made in Jeddah.
“If Russia refuses to follow the steps agreed upon during the meeting of the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, I expect strong measures from the U.S. Strong steps against the Russian side. I understand that we can count on strong steps. The details are still unknown, but we are talking about sanctions and strengthening Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told journalists.
The Ukrainian president also confirmed that security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a pause in hostilities were discussed with the U.S. delegation, although further details would be addressed later.
Zelenskyy noted that the question of security guarantees was mentioned in the joint statement following the meeting in Jeddah. “There is a reference to Ukraine’s security. This indicates that the topic was discussed,” he said.
He further elaborated that if the ceasefire holds, the 30-day period would be used to formalise and document security assurances for Ukraine. “We have our proposals, but we need to put them on paper—agreed steps and formats of security guarantees that Ukraine will have after this war ends,” Zelenskyy stated.
The prospect of a temporary cessation of hostilities comes amid intensified international efforts to mediate a resolution to the conflict. While Ukraine’s stance signals its willingness to engage in diplomacy, the success of any truce remains uncertain, given previous ceasefire violations by Russian forces.
