US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing as Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire
Ukraine has not accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia but has expressed openness to the idea in exchange for the Trump administration lifting its freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing. This remains only a proposal, not an agreement, as Russia has yet to be formally presented with the deal. The framework emerged after eight hours of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the U.S. sought to assess what concessions Ukraine might be willing to make for a potential peace deal. The next step is for the U.S. to present the proposal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose response remains uncertain.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s prospects but stressed that Russia’s agreement is essential. “Hopefully President Putin will agree to that also, and we can get this show on the road. It takes two to tango,” he told reporters at the White House. U.S. officials plan to meet their Russian counterparts soon, and Trump has not ruled out speaking with Putin directly later this week.
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The Jeddah talks were led by U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Waltz emphasized that Ukraine had taken “concrete steps and concrete proposals, not only accepting our proposal for a full ceasefire.” He also noted that discussions focused on “what type of guarantees they’re going to have for their long-term security and prosperity, but also really looking at what it’s going to take to finally end the horrific fighting.” In addition to the ceasefire proposal, the negotiations covered prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, as well as a U.S. role in Ukraine’s mineral development—an issue President Trump has previously highlighted.
In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s openness to peace, emphasizing that a ceasefire could provide a window to develop lasting security measures. “During those 30 days of silence, we could prepare all aspects of reliable peace and lasting security guarantees with our partners,” he said. However, he made it clear that the burden is on Russia to engage, stating, “Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show whether it is ready to end the war or whether it continues the war.” The U.S. ceasefire proposal calls for Russia to suspend all aerial attacks, including missile and drone strikes, a significant demand for Ukraine.
Despite diplomatic discussions, hostilities persist. Ukraine recently launched its largest drone offensive to date, with over 300 drones targeting Russia, intensifying tensions. Simultaneously, Russian forces continue pressing along the front lines, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, and advancing in the Kursk region. Facing equipment and personnel shortages, Ukraine has been rapidly bolstering its domestic arms production, especially in drone technology.
Western officials are skeptical that Russia will accept the proposed ceasefire. The Kremlin has previously demanded that Ukraine adopt neutrality, restrict its military capabilities, and abandon its NATO ambitions. Moscow has also called for Ukraine to hold presidential elections. Kremlin-affiliated analysts have already cast doubt on the U.S.-Ukraine proposal. One expert remarked, “The way it’s worded here is unlikely to satisfy anyone,” stressing that Russia has repeatedly refused to agree to a ceasefire without a broader resolution addressing its conditions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the Jeddah talks as a “remarkable breakthrough” but made clear that the next move rests with Russia. “The ball is now in the Russian court. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire and an end to fighting too,” he stated. However, Russia has not issued an official response.
Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow, where he may meet with Putin. Reports indicate that a potential Trump-Putin summit could serve as an incentive to persuade Russia to agree to a ceasefire. However, Moscow has already expressed opposition to the presence of European peacekeepers in Ukraine and continues to insist on strict conditions before considering any ceasefire.
The Jeddah meeting also helped ease recent tensions between Ukraine and the Trump administration following a contentious exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House on February 28. When asked whether Zelenskyy would now be invited back to Washington, Trump responded, “Sure, absolutely.”
While Ukraine has signaled openness to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, it is crucial to underscore that this remains only a proposal. No agreement is in place, and Russia has not yet been formally presented with the plan. The ultimate outcome depends entirely on whether Moscow chooses to engage in negotiations or continue its military campaign.
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