U.S. Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Talks with Russia
In a dramatic shift, the United States has decided to resume military assistance to Ukraine, including intelligence sharing, just one week after pausing aid. The announcement follows high-level negotiations in Saudi Arabia, where Kyiv expressed support for a U.S.-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Now, all eyes are on Moscow as the Kremlin weighs its response.
U.S. Pushes for Ceasefire, Calls on Russia to Respond
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the ball is now in Russia’s court. He warned that if Moscow rejects the proposal, Washington would view Russia as the primary obstacle to achieving peace. President Donald Trump also voiced optimism about the ceasefire plan, emphasizing that it is now up to Russian President Vladimir Putin to decide the next course of action.
“Ukraine has agreed to the ceasefire,” Trump said. “Now we have to go to Russia, and hopefully, President Putin will agree to it as well so we can get this show on the road.” Trump reiterated that while a ceasefire would be ideal, the conflict would continue with devastating consequences if Russia does not comply.
Ukrainian Reaction: Hope and Caution
In Ukraine, the proposal came as a surprise. The country’s foreign minister hailed the development as a “milestone,” while President Volodymyr Zelensky took a more measured approach, calling it a “positive step.” Ukrainian officials see the negotiations as a chance to mend strained relations with Washington following recent tensions.
Zelensky reportedly brought his own proposals to the talks, including a limited ceasefire focused on air and naval engagements. However, the agreed-upon deal is far broader, aiming for a complete halt to hostilities along the 1,300-kilometer front line—a challenge that will require careful monitoring and enforcement.
Despite cautious optimism, Ukrainian officials remain wary. Concerns persist over whether the U.S. pressured Kyiv into accepting undisclosed concessions, particularly regarding territorial disputes and security guarantees.
Moscow’s Response: Skepticism and Resistance
Russia’s initial reaction has been one of skepticism. Foreign Ministry officials emphasized that Moscow would not simply follow Washington’s lead. A senior Russian parliamentary official stated that any ceasefire deal would have to be on Moscow’s terms, not dictated by the U.S. or Ukraine.
Russian nationalist circles and pro-war commentators have already criticized the ceasefire proposal, arguing that it would only benefit Ukraine by allowing it to regroup and fortify its defenses. This sentiment is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Kremlin’s final decision.
Rebuilding U.S.-Ukraine Relations
One significant outcome of the talks is Washington’s decision to restore military aid to Ukraine. The resumption of weapons deliveries, spare parts, and intelligence sharing is expected to bolster Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities. However, political analysts note that while the aid will help militarily, trust between Kyiv and Washington has been shaken.
“Ukraine has learned that its strongest ally can change course overnight,” said one official. “Rebuilding trust will take time and effort.”
Putin’s Next Move
With President Trump seeking a direct conversation with Putin this week, the focus is now on the Kremlin’s next steps. Experts suggest that Russia may push for additional conditions, such as a halt to Western military aid to Ukraine during the ceasefire. However, Putin’s long-term strategic goals in Ukraine remain unchanged, making any agreement highly uncertain.
The coming days will be crucial as diplomatic efforts intensify. Whether this ceasefire marks the beginning of serious negotiations or just another fleeting attempt at peace remains to be seen.
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