US Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine Following Ceasefire Talks
The United States announced on Tuesday that it would reinstate military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Kyiv agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The decision was confirmed in a joint statement released by both nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would now present the proposal to Moscow, emphasizing that the next step depended on Russia’s response.
“The President wanted this war to end yesterday… Our hope is that Russia will respond positively as soon as possible so we can move to the next phase—real negotiations,” Rubio told reporters after more than eight hours of talks in Jeddah, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago and currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Rubio underscored Washington’s goal of securing a comprehensive agreement between both nations swiftly. “Every day this war continues, lives are lost, people suffer, and devastation increases on both sides,” he said.
However, Russia’s response remains uncertain. President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to peace talks but insists on retaining occupied regions and demands Ukraine withdraw from four territories partially under Russian control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not participate directly in the talks, described the ceasefire proposal as a “constructive step” that would cover the entire frontline rather than being limited to aerial and naval operations.
During discussions in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and Ukraine also agreed to finalize an agreement on developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. This deal, which had been under negotiation for weeks, was stalled following last week’s tense White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky.
A senior aide to Zelensky confirmed that security guarantees for Ukraine were a key topic of discussion with U.S. officials, though specific details were not disclosed. Some European nations have indicated a willingness to explore the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine.
Rubio confirmed that the ceasefire proposal would be conveyed to Moscow through multiple diplomatic channels. Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, also stated that he would be speaking with his Russian counterpart in the coming days.
The joint statement reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance that European nations should be involved in the peace process. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday for further discussions.
Shift in U.S. Policy on Ukraine
Under Trump’s leadership, Washington has taken a different approach to the war, placing increased pressure on Kyiv. The initial military assistance for Ukraine will include equipment from U.S. stockpiles, which was approved under former President Joe Biden’s administration but temporarily halted after Trump assumed office.
On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to face mounting pressure, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, where Moscow’s forces have been advancing to push back Ukrainian troops holding key positions.
Despite facing intensified Russian missile and drone attacks—one of which recently killed 14 people—Ukraine launched its largest drone assault on Moscow and surrounding regions overnight, demonstrating its continued military capability. According to Russian authorities, 337 drones were intercepted, but the attack resulted in the deaths of three warehouse workers and temporary disruptions at Moscow’s four major airports.
Ukrainian forces also targeted an oil refinery near Moscow and a facility in Russia’s Oryol region, while Hungary reported a temporary suspension of crude oil shipments via Russia’s Druzhba pipeline due to the strikes.
Diplomatic interactions between the U.S. and Russia resumed in February, with officials from both countries meeting in Saudi Arabia for rare discussions aimed at mending strained relations that had remained largely frozen under the previous U.S. administration.
