Ukraine starts forming monitoring team for potential ceasefire

Ukraine has initiated the formation of a national team tasked with developing the necessary protocols to monitor a potential 30-day ceasefire, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced.

"We have already actually begun forming a national team that will develop appropriate algorithms for proper monitoring of a possible ceasefire," Sybiha said, highlighting the challenges of such an undertaking, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Sybiha further explained that after returning from the recent negotiations in Jeddah, the team briefed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of their discussions with the American delegation and presented proposals for future steps in the peace process.

Addressing the complexities of the situation, Sybiha noted that the front line spans over 1,300 kilometres, with daily combat continuing. He also referenced the negative experiences of previous ceasefire agreements, particularly the Minsk agreements, during which Russia repeatedly violated ceasefire terms—citing 25 violations in total.

"Therefore, everything will now be directed to ensure that the Ukrainian side is fully prepared, with the appropriate teams, plans, and modalities in place," Sybiha emphasized. "This includes not only the future vision for a fair peace agreement but also the parameters and scope of security guarantees for Ukraine."

The Foreign Minister also clarified that the team is actively working on these issues to ensure Ukraine's readiness for potential peace discussions.

In related developments, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has indicated that the Ukrainian and US delegations will resume discussions, with a "meaningful meeting" potentially taking place next week. This follows the meetings in Saudi Arabia, which saw Ukraine and the United States engaging in talks about military aid and the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire. Following these discussions, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is prepared for a full ceasefire, provided that Russia is equally committed.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry views the meeting between Ukrainian and US representatives as an opportunity to advance agreements on key issues, including minerals, signaling a step forward in both diplomatic and military cooperation between the two nations.

By Vafa Guliyeva