The United States agreed on Tuesday to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after talks where Kyiv expressed readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forth by the US, the two countries said in a joint statement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US would present the offer to Russia, and now it is up to Moscow to respond.
“Our hope is that Russia will agree quickly so we can move on to the next phase, which involves real negotiations,” Rubio said after over eight hours of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, referring to US President Donald Trump.
Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, and now holds about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.
Rubio emphasized that Washington aims for a full agreement with both Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible.
“Every day this war continues, people die, both sides are suffering,” he said.
However, Russia’s response remains uncertain. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to peace talks but opposed any ceasefire, insisting on a deal that ensures Russia’s long-term security. Putin has ruled out territorial concessions, demanding Ukraine’s full withdrawal from four regions claimed by Russia.
On Tuesday, Russia’s foreign ministry stated it was not ruling out discussions with US representatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not participate in the talks, called the ceasefire proposal “positive” and noted that it would cover the entire front line, not just air and sea battles.
Zelensky added that the ceasefire would begin as soon as Russia agrees to it.
“During the 30 days of ‘silence,’ we will have time to prepare with our partners to create reliable peace and long-term security,” Zelensky said.
Rubio confirmed that the ceasefire proposal would be conveyed to Russia through multiple channels, including meetings between US national security advisor Mike Waltz and his Russian counterpart and special envoy Steve Witkoff’s planned visit to Moscow this week.
Trump expressed hope for a swift ceasefire and said he expected to speak with Putin soon. “I hope it’ll be over in the next few days,” he told reporters.
The US-Ukraine agreement marks a notable shift from a tense White House meeting on February 28 between the new Republican president, who had been skeptical of Ukraine aid, and Zelensky.
In the joint statement, both countries agreed to finalize a comprehensive agreement to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, which had been delayed by that meeting.
After the meeting, the US had halted intelligence sharing and weapons shipments to Ukraine, signaling Trump’s efforts to exert pressure on Ukraine while taking a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow.
Trump also announced on Tuesday that he would invite Zelensky back to the White House.
Late Tuesday, Ukrainian officials confirmed that both US military assistance and intelligence sharing had resumed.
EUROPEAN PARTNERS
A senior aide to Zelensky confirmed that discussions with US officials included options for security guarantees for Ukraine. European countries have expressed interest in exploring the possibility of sending peacekeepers.
In the joint statement, Ukraine reiterated the need for European partners to be involved in the peace process. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is expected to visit the White House on Thursday.
“It seems like the US and Ukraine have made an important step toward peace, and Europe is ready to help achieve a just and lasting peace,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.
Waltz noted that the initial resumption of military aid to Ukraine would involve equipment from US stockpiles previously approved by former President Joe Biden and halted by Trump.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face significant pressure on the battlefield, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, where Russian forces are pushing to expel Ukrainian troops.
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow and its surrounding region to date, demonstrating that Kyiv can also inflict major damage despite ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, one of which killed 14 people on Saturday. The attack involved 337 drones being downed over Russia, with at least three warehouse employees killed and a temporary closure of Moscow’s four airports.
