Secretary of State Marco Rubio and NSA Mike Waltz Outline Ukraine Agreement to 30-day Ceasefire

Sundance reporting for CTH 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz brief the media on an agreement with the Ukraine delegation for a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

During their remarks both Secretary Rubio and Advisor Waltz reference a joint statement [SEE HERE] by both delegations.   The statement outlines the proposed terms for a 30-day ceasefire that will now be discussed by President Trump’s team with the Russian delegation and President Vladimir Putin.

Here’s the video of the Rubio/Waltz media availability and below I will post the joint statement for discussion. United States and Ukraine are calling for a 30-day ceasefire, subject to the acceptance of Russia. Secretary Marco Rubio also announced that the US would resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine “immediately.”

[BEGIN STATEMENT] – “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.

Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. 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.

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.

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 and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security. [END STATEMENT]

The joint statement itself is diplomatically agreed, but as these things are reviewed, they do give some insight into the priorities of both sides.

We can see how “lifting the pause on intelligence sharing and resuming security assistance” to Ukraine was the priority of the Ukranian delegation.  We can see how a substantive commitment to peace was the priority of team USA.

The U.S, specifically anticipating Steve Witkoff likely traveling to Moscow, will take the message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his representatives.  The Ukranian team will engage with their “European partners” for further advice and counsel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the key.  As remarkable as it seems, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has the stronger neocon tendencies in this pairing.  Secretary Rubio is suspicious of motives and intentions, which is good.