Janice R. Andrews
The UK has been “intimately involved” in brokering a proposed ceasefire agreement between Ukraine, the US, and Russia, according to UK government sources. This development follows intense diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, which has ravaged Ukraine for over three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, but emphasized that the US must persuade Russia to agree.
The breakthrough comes after a week of concerted European diplomacy, led by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described the agreement as a “remarkable breakthrough” and an “important moment for peace in Ukraine.” Last week, UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell collaborated with US, German, and French officials to draft a ceasefire plan. Powell then traveled to Kyiv to meet Zelensky and finalize a written proposal, which includes a temporary pause in fighting, prisoner-of-war exchanges, the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, and the release of civilians.
The proposal gained approval from both Ukraine and the US, paving the way for high-stakes talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. These talks marked the first significant engagement since the dramatic Oval Office showdown earlier this year. In a joint statement, the US announced the reinstatement of military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, signaling a renewed commitment to Kyiv’s defense.
Sir Keir praised the agreement, urging all parties to “redouble efforts” to secure a lasting peace. He emphasized that the onus is now on Russia to reciprocate, stating, “The ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must agree to a ceasefire and an end to the fighting.” US officials are expected to discuss the deal with Moscow imminently, as President Trump expressed eagerness to “get this show on the road.”
Looking ahead, Sir Keir will host a phone call with global leaders, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” to discuss peacekeeping efforts aimed at deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin from future incursions into Ukraine. Participants are reportedly “ready to help bring an end to this war in a just and permanent way,” ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.
Behind the scenes, European teams have worked tirelessly to shift the spotlight onto Russia, questioning its commitment to peace. A UK source highlighted the urgency, stating, “The ball is firmly in the Russian court. Will they reciprocate and stop the fighting to allow serious negotiations on a lasting peace, or will they continue to slaughter innocent civilians?”
The conflict has exacted a devastating toll, with hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions of Ukrainian civilians displaced as refugees. As the world watches, the hope is that this ceasefire agreement could mark the first step toward ending the bloodshed and securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
