Ukraine Accepts US-Proposed 30-Day Ceasefire, Awaits Russia’s Response
The Trump administration recently paused security assistance to Ukraine following a disastrous Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky and accused him of “gambling with World War III.”
The meeting sent shockwaves across Europe and was followed by the Trump administration pausing U.S. aid to Ukraine as well as some intelligence-sharing at a critical time in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
What To Know
Tuesday’s announcements came as senior officials from Ukraine and the U.S. began talks in Saudi Arabia on ending Moscow’s three-year war against Kyiv, just hours after Russia downed over 300 Ukrainian drones—Ukraine’s largest attack since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would present the ceasefire offer to officials in Moscow.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” Rubio said at a press conference on Tuesday in Jeddah.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Moscow later this week and may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The Trump administration also announced Tuesday that it would immediately lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, more than a week after imposing the bans to pressure Zelensky into peace talks with Russia.
What People Are Saying
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement Tuesday: “The Ukrainian delegation today made something very clear, that they share President Trump’s vision for peace, they share his determination to end the fighting, to end the killing, to end the tragic meat grinder of people.”
Zelensky said in a video address late Sunday: “We hope for results, both in bringing peace closer and in continuing support.”
Trump said Sunday that the U.S. had more or less lifted its intelligence-sharing pause: “We just about have. I mean, we really just about have, and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen if Moscow will agree to the terms of the proposal.
