America ‘eagerly awaits’ Russia’s answer about the ceasefire

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington started contacting Russia on March 12 about the proposal to stop firing for 30 days, as well as steps towards ending the war, and is evaluating Moscow’s reaction.

“That’s what we want to know, whether they are willing to accept unconditional ceasefire,” Rubio said when he stopped at Ireland on his way to Canada, after a negotiation between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. “If the answer is ‘yes’, then we have progressed and have a real opportunity for peace. If the answer is ‘no’, it will be very regrettable and need to clarify their intentions.”

The US Secretary of State also emphasized that “all of us are eager to wait for Russia’s reaction and urge them to consider ending all hostile actions” on the battlefield of Ukraine.

“If they refuse the proposal, it is clear that we have to reassess everything. I think Russia says no to give us a lot more about their goals and thinking,” Rubio added.

He also emphasized that Europe will “participate” in the diplomatic process to achieve any peace agreement for Ukraine.

After the negotiations in Saudi Arab on March 11, the US and Ukraine delegation issued a joint statement affirming that Ukraine was “ready to accept the preliminary ceasefire” under the US initiative. The ceasefire is valid for 30 days, will take effect as soon as Russia agrees and can extend longer.

Washington and Kiev also pledged to soon complete the comprehensive agreement on the development of important mineral resources of Ukraine “.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press conference in Moscow today that Russia was waiting for the US to announce the negotiation results in Saudi Arabia. He did not exclude the possibility that the phone talk between President Putin and President Trump would be carried out quickly if needed.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that he was serious about the ceasefire and ready to stop fighting for 30 days as proposed by the US.

According to him, the negotiations in Saudi Arab helped “reduce the escalation” of tensions between the US and Ukraine after the battle between the leaders of the two countries at the White House, and expressed hope that Washington would have “strong steps” if Russia rejected a ceasefire.

“I don’t know specifically but we are talking about sanctions on Russia and strengthening Ukraine,” he said.