The UK played a crucial role in brokering an agreement between Ukraine and the United States over a proposed ceasefire deal with Russia, government sources have revealed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for an immediate 30-day ceasefire but has emphasized that the US must persuade Russia to agree to the terms. Talks held in Saudi Arabia were part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Over the past week, European leaders, led by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have been working to mend relations between Ukraine and the US. Starmer hailed the development as a “remarkable breakthrough” and an “important moment for peace in Ukraine.”
Diplomatic Efforts and UK Involvement
Sources indicate that Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, collaborated closely with his US counterpart Mike Waltz, as well as German and French officials, to draft a framework for the ceasefire. Powell later traveled to Kyiv to assist in finalizing the proposal with Zelensky.
The proposal, agreed upon by Ukraine and the US, includes an initial pause in hostilities followed by confidence-building measures. These measures encompass prisoner-of-war exchanges, the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, and the release of civilians.
Following high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia, Starmer congratulated both the US and Ukraine on their agreement, calling for intensified efforts to secure a lasting peace. “The ball is now in Russia’s court,” he said, urging Moscow to reciprocate the ceasefire initiative.
International Reactions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is awaiting Russia’s response to the proposal. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump stated that US officials would engage in discussions with Moscow soon, hoping to advance the peace process.
Additionally, the Trump administration has announced the reinstatement of military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, reversing a previous suspension following disputes between Trump and Zelensky.
On Saturday, Starmer is set to host a call with international leaders, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” to discuss further peacekeeping measures aimed at deterring future Russian aggression against Ukraine.
A UK government source emphasized that the ceasefire proposal shifts pressure onto Russia, questioning whether Moscow is genuinely interested in peace. “The ball is firmly in the Russian court,” the source stated. “Will they stop the fighting and engage in serious peace negotiations, or continue to target innocent civilians?”
Ongoing Conflict and Russian Attacks
Despite diplomatic progress, hostilities persist. Ukrainian authorities have confirmed missile strikes on President Zelensky’s hometown, Kryvyi Rih, resulting in one fatality. A separate attack on a cargo ship in Odessa killed four Syrian nationals and damaged port infrastructure, including grain storage facilities.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, hundreds of thousands of people—primarily soldiers—have been killed or injured, while millions of Ukrainian civilians have fled as refugees.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community watches closely to see how Russia will respond to the latest ceasefire initiative.