Ukraine has backed a US proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire with Russia, with the United States in turn agreeing to lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing. After talks in Saudi Arabia, the two sides also agreed to conclude "as soon as possible" a deal on Ukrainian minerals. "The Ukrainian side is ready for this. The draft of this document is supported by the Ukrainian government... When the American side, our partners, decide, this agreement will be signed," says the Ukrainian presidency's chief of staff Andriy Yermak. SOUNDBITES