US Resumes Military Aid as Ukraine Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire
Key Developments in US-Ukraine Relations
The Trump administration has lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kyiv has signaled its willingness to enter a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, contingent on Moscow’s agreement. These announcements came after high-level talks in Saudi Arabia between American and Ukrainian officials.
Sharp Policy Reversal by the US
This marks a significant shift from just a week ago when the US imposed the aid suspension, seemingly pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks with Russia. The suspension followed a tense White House meeting between Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump over the ongoing war.
Ceasefire Proposal to be Presented to Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the delegation in Jeddah, stated that Washington would present the ceasefire proposal to the Kremlin, though Russia has previously insisted on a permanent settlement with major concessions from Ukraine.
Rubio: “We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. Now it’s up to Russia to say yes or no.”
Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, reinforced this stance:
“The Ukrainian delegation made it clear today that they share President Trump’s vision for peace.”
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Eased
The nearly eight-hour-long discussions in Jeddah helped ease tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, which had flared during their White House meeting last month.
- Waltz noted that talks addressed long-term security guarantees and how to end the war permanently.
- Trump immediately lifted the pause on billions of dollars in military aid and intelligence sharing.
- Trump expressed hope that an agreement could be finalized within days.
Trump: “I’ve been saying that Russia has been easier to deal with than Ukraine, which isn’t how it’s supposed to be. But we have a full ceasefire offer from Ukraine. That’s good.”
Russia’s Response and Military Escalation
The Kremlin has not yet officially responded. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mentioned that negotiations with US officials could happen this week.
Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest attack since the war began, shooting down over 300 Ukrainian drones just hours before the Saudi talks. Ukrainian officials declined to comment on the attack.
- Russia also launched 126 drones and a ballistic missile targeting civilian areas in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Call for a Lasting Peace
Following the talks, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a lasting peace, stating that the country has sought an end to the war since the beginning.
Zelenskyy: “Ukraine has strived for peace from the very first second of this war. We will do everything possible to achieve it as soon as possible—securely and in a way that ensures war does not return.”
- Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, described the talks as positive, stating that Ukraine and the US share the same vision for a “just peace.”
- However, some Ukrainians remain skeptical. A Ukrainian soldier, Oleksandr, warned that a ceasefire could allow Russia to regroup and prepare for another attack.
Russian Hardliners Oppose Ceasefire
In Moscow, pro-war politicians and military bloggers fiercely opposed the ceasefire, arguing it would give Ukraine time to rebuild its military.
- Alexander Dugin, a nationalist ideologue, dismissed the idea.
- General Viktor Sobolev, a Russian MP, claimed the 30-day truce would only benefit Ukraine, allowing them to resupply weapons and reorganize forces.
- Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin analyst, suggested that Moscow should demand a halt to Western arms supplies as a condition for any truce.
Kremlin Holds Firm on Its Peace Terms
Russia continues to demand:
- Ukraine must abandon its NATO bid.
- Kyiv must recognize Russian control over the occupied territories, which account for nearly 20% of Ukraine’s land.
Russia has maintained battlefield momentum over the past year despite heavy losses and continues to push offensives, especially in eastern Donetsk.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has focused on strengthening its domestic arms industry, particularly high-tech drones, which have successfully targeted Russian positions deep within enemy lines.
What Comes Next?
With the ceasefire proposal now on the table, all eyes are on Moscow. Will Russia agree to Ukraine’s offer, or will it continue its offensive? The next few days will be critical in shaping the future of the conflict.
