The Trump administration has reinstated military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine after Kyiv accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day cease-fire with Russia, pending further negotiations. American and Ukrainian officials confirmed the agreement Tuesday following high-stakes talks in Saudi Arabia.
“Today was a good day for peace. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we are one step closer to lasting peace in Ukraine. The ball is now in Russia’s court,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X.
Washington had previously frozen aid to Ukraine, pressuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in talks to end the war. The suspension came shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Leading the U.S. delegation in Jeddah, Rubio said Washington would now present the cease-fire proposal to Moscow. So far, the Kremlin has insisted on a permanent end to hostilities without making any concessions.
“We will tell them, ‘This is what’s on the table.’ Ukraine is ready to halt the war and begin dialogue. Now it’s up to them to accept or reject it,” Rubio told reporters after the talks. “If they say no, then we’ll know exactly what is blocking peace.”
Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said Kyiv’s delegation had aligned with the U.S. vision for peace. The eight-hour talks also covered long-term security guarantees. Trump, in response, lifted the hold on billions in military aid and intelligence sharing.
The former president expressed optimism about upcoming talks with Russia, hinting at further developments. “We have an important meeting with Russia tomorrow, and I hope for great discussions,” he said without elaborating.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, is set to visit Moscow later this week, with a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the agenda, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace after the talks. “Our position is crystal clear. Ukraine has sought peace from the very first second of this war. We will do everything possible to secure it swiftly, safely and in a way that ensures this war never returns,” he said.
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief adviser and lead negotiator, called the talks productive. In a joint statement with U.S. officials, he said both nations “share the same vision and are moving in the same direction toward a just and long-awaited peace for all Ukrainians.”
