Foreign ministers from the G7, a coalition of major industrial nations, are scheduled to convene for several days of discussions in Quebec, Canada. The agenda will include efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to bolster Ukraine’s ongoing resistance against the invasion, which has persisted for three years.
These discussions come in the wake of the United States’ decision to renew intelligence sharing and security support for Ukraine, following a meeting between senior officials from both nations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, after nearly eight hours of negotiations, Ukraine expressed its willingness to accept a U.S. proposal for an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire” in its conflict with Russia, contingent upon approval from the Kremlin.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters during his journey to Canada on Wednesday that the U.S. plans to establish “multiple points of contact” with Russia to evaluate its openness to the proposed peace agreement.
“We are all anxiously awaiting the Russian response and strongly encourage them to consider halting all hostilities so that we can initiate a process toward achieving lasting peace,” Rubio stated to VOA on Wednesday.
He also emphasized the necessity for monitoring if Russia consents to a ceasefire.
“If they agree, one of the key considerations will be determining which parties both sides trust to be present on the ground to oversee any minor arms fire and exchanges that may occur,” Rubio explained to the press.
On Wednesday at the White House, President Donald Trump stated that the next move rests with Russia.
“Hopefully, we can secure a ceasefire from Russia,” he remarked. “If that happens, I believe we would be 80 percent closer to ending this tragic bloodshed.”
In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that a ceasefire would enable the involved parties to “thoroughly develop a step-by-step plan for concluding the war, which would include security assurances for Ukraine.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorsed the 30-day ceasefire proposal, stating on X that it represents “a significant and appropriate step towards achieving a just peace for Ukraine.”
“We stand united with Ukraine and the United States and support the proposals from Jeddah. The next move is now up to Putin,” Scholz added.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters on Wednesday that Russia is awaiting a briefing regarding the proposal from the United States.
“The ball is now in Russia’s court.”
Late Tuesday, Senator Marco Rubio told reporters that Ukraine has made a tangible move towards resolving the conflict.
“Now, we hope to present this offer to the Russians, and we anticipate they will agree to peace. The ball is now in their court,” he stated.
National security adviser Mike Waltz, who accompanied Rubio in leading the U.S. delegation in Jeddah, mentioned that he plans to communicate with his Russian counterpart “in the coming days.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to visit the White House on Thursday. These discussions are all part of ongoing efforts to promote the peace process.
Zelenskyy did not take part in the discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine; however, during his evening address on Tuesday, he referred to the ceasefire proposal as a “positive initiative.”
“It is now the responsibility of the United States to persuade Russia to reciprocate,” Zelenskyy stated. “Should Russia comply, the ceasefire will be implemented immediately.”
Mineral deal?
Regarding mineral resources, Trump has expressed a desire to link ongoing military assistance to access to Ukraine’s natural resources.
Ukraine is rich in over forty minerals, including various rare earth elements, nickel, and lithium, all of which are vital to the U.S. economy and national security. The country possesses significant reserves of uranium, lithium, and titanium.
After the discussions on Tuesday, a joint statement indicated that both parties agreed to “swiftly finalize a comprehensive agreement aimed at developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to enhance the nation’s economy and ensure its long-term prosperity and security.”
An agreement on this issue was anticipated to be signed last month by Trump and Zelenskyy but was called off following their strained meeting in the Oval Office on February 28.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
