Waltz Will Speak With Russian Officials ‘Soon’
The US national security advisor commented on Tuesday after Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The US national security advisor made comments on Tuesday in light of Ukraine's agreement to a ceasefire proposal from the US.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced plans to contact his “Russian counterpart” in the upcoming days to explore a potential resolution to the Ukraine conflict. This statement followed discussions with a Ukrainian delegation, which reportedly accepted Washington’s proposal for an interim ceasefire.
During a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, late Tuesday, Waltz noted that the Ukrainian delegation had expressed that “they share President [Donald] Trump’s vision for peace” and “his determination to end the fighting.” He highlighted that the representatives from Kiev had “made concrete steps and concrete proposals.”
Waltz stated, “I will talk to my Russian counterpart in the coming days.”
The national security advisor indicated that “as a result of this positive step forward, the president has decided to lift the pause on aid and on our security assistance to Ukraine going forward and that’s effective immediately.” This remark referenced the suspension of assistance that followed a tense exchange between Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House late last month.
Rubio added that the Ukrainian delegation had shown willingness to pursue a ceasefire and immediate negotiations with Russia. He remarked that the “ball is now in [Moscow’s] court,” expressing hope that Russia would “say yes to peace.”
When asked whether the ceasefire would be partial or comprehensive, Rubio reiterated that the “offer is to stop the shooting,” emphasizing that halting hostilities is crucial for ongoing peace talks.
“Obviously now that’ll be delivered to the Russians… through our diplomatic channels,” he clarified, mentioning that Washington aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict “in a way that’s acceptable and enduring for both sides.”
In response to a question about whether Washington has established any “deadline” for Moscow's response, Rubio stated that the US hopes “the Russians will answer… yes as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this which is real negotiations, not never-ending dialogue.” He contended that the “best goodwill gesture the Russians can provide” would be to agree to an immediate end to fighting.
Since before his inauguration in January, President Trump has vowed to resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly. Recently, he urged Kiev to forgo its demand for the restoration of pre-conflict borders and to seek a compromise with Russia. Following a confrontation with Zelensky last month, Trump determined that Ukraine was not prepared for peace and cautioned that prolonged resistance could lead the US to withdraw aid.
The Kremlin has stated its readiness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, contingent upon Ukraine recognizing the “reality on the ground.” President Putin has previously advocated for a comprehensive solution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict rather than merely seeking a temporary truce.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced plans to contact his “Russian counterpart” in the upcoming days to explore a potential resolution to the Ukraine conflict. This statement followed discussions with a Ukrainian delegation, which reportedly accepted Washington’s proposal for an interim ceasefire.
During a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, late Tuesday, Waltz noted that the Ukrainian delegation had expressed that “they share President [Donald] Trump’s vision for peace” and “his determination to end the fighting.” He highlighted that the representatives from Kiev had “made concrete steps and concrete proposals.”
Waltz stated, “I will talk to my Russian counterpart in the coming days.”
The national security advisor indicated that “as a result of this positive step forward, the president has decided to lift the pause on aid and on our security assistance to Ukraine going forward and that’s effective immediately.” This remark referenced the suspension of assistance that followed a tense exchange between Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House late last month.
Rubio added that the Ukrainian delegation had shown willingness to pursue a ceasefire and immediate negotiations with Russia. He remarked that the “ball is now in [Moscow’s] court,” expressing hope that Russia would “say yes to peace.”
When asked whether the ceasefire would be partial or comprehensive, Rubio reiterated that the “offer is to stop the shooting,” emphasizing that halting hostilities is crucial for ongoing peace talks.
“Obviously now that’ll be delivered to the Russians… through our diplomatic channels,” he clarified, mentioning that Washington aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict “in a way that’s acceptable and enduring for both sides.”
In response to a question about whether Washington has established any “deadline” for Moscow's response, Rubio stated that the US hopes “the Russians will answer… yes as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this which is real negotiations, not never-ending dialogue.” He contended that the “best goodwill gesture the Russians can provide” would be to agree to an immediate end to fighting.
Since before his inauguration in January, President Trump has vowed to resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly. Recently, he urged Kiev to forgo its demand for the restoration of pre-conflict borders and to seek a compromise with Russia. Following a confrontation with Zelensky last month, Trump determined that Ukraine was not prepared for peace and cautioned that prolonged resistance could lead the US to withdraw aid.
The Kremlin has stated its readiness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, contingent upon Ukraine recognizing the “reality on the ground.” President Putin has previously advocated for a comprehensive solution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict rather than merely seeking a temporary truce.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
