Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire with Russia marks step toward ending, not freezing war – FM Sybiha

Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon mutual implementation by the Russian Federation. This temporary pause in hostilities does not signify a freeze in the conflict but serves as a preliminary step towards ending the war.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha explained this on the social network X.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister participated in negotiations in Saudi Arabia on March 11.

Sybiha emphasized that this step highlights who is genuinely committed to pursuing peace.

"The American side will now talk to the Russians about their readiness or unwillingness to end the war. Why is such a temporary ceasefire essential, because this is by no means about a frozen conflict.

This is just an attempt to start the path to ending the war fairly. It is also a step that demonstrates who is really interested in peace," the post says.

As Sybiha emphasized, this step demonstrates that Ukraine is ready to move forward on the path to a just end to the war.

The head of the foreign ministry also emphasized that the temporary ceasefire will work only if Russia simultaneously implements it, and until then, the Ukrainian army will continue to perform combat missions.

"Preempting the question, I will say that the units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to perform combat missions. The temporary ceasefire will work only if Russia accepts and simultaneously implements it," the minister emphasized.

The Foreign Minister also informed European partners about the results of the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States, which took place in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Sybiha noted that he continues to work with European partners to achieve long-term peace and security for Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States.

He said that he had contacted the heads of diplomacy of the EU, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, France, Britain and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Belgium to inform them about the results of the "landmark meeting" in Jeddah.

For reference:

On March 11, Ukraine and the United States held an official meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking their first encounter following a notable dispute at the White House.

Initially, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia. This was followed by a meeting between the delegations of Ukraine and the United States, which took place without the presence of the Ukrainian head of state.

According to Zelensky, "there will be a clear attitude towards constructiveness " from Kyiv. He hoped "it will be possible to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps."

Yermak, in turn, reported that the Ukrainian side's agenda included protecting Ukrainian interests and having a clear vision of ending the war.

Rubio, who headed the US delegation, said that during the negotiations in Jeddah, the American side wanted to hear from Ukraine "what concessions it can make for the sake of peace."

During the talks, Ukraine and the United States agreed on several issues, as stated in a joint statement following the meeting:

• Ukraine accepted the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, subject to reciprocity from the Russian Federation;
• The US is lifting the pause in intelligence exchange and restoring security assistance;
• Humanitarian issues were discussed: exchange of prisoners, release of civilians, return of Ukrainian children;
• The delegations will begin negotiations on a sustainable peace with the participation of European partners;
• The US and Ukraine agreed to conclude an agreement on the development of critical minerals to strengthen Ukraine's economy.

Following the talks between the Ukrainian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia on March 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine agrees to a ceasefire, and that Russia will make the decision from now on.