Ukraine Open to 30-Day Ceasefire as U.S. Restores Support \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Trump administration has reinstated military aid and intelligence-sharing for Ukraine, while Kyiv has expressed willingness for a 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees. The developments emerged after high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials discussed pathways to ending the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Russia to date, while Moscow continues its relentless airstrikes.
Ukraine Peace Talks and Ceasefire Proposal: Quick Looks
- U.S. Restores Military Aid – The Trump administration lifted its suspension on Ukraine’s military support after urging Kyiv to pursue peace talks.
- Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal – Ukraine has signaled openness to a 30-day ceasefire, pending Russia’s agreement.
- U.S. Role in Negotiations – Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the U.S. would present the offer to Moscow.
- Massive Drone Attacks – Ukraine launched 343 drones in its biggest assault on Russian territory since the war began.
- Russian Counterattacks – Russia responded with 126 drones and a ballistic missile, continuing its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
- Saudi Talks & Diplomacy – Officials from the U.S., Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia met in Jeddah to explore paths toward a long-term peace deal.
- Russia’s Stance – Moscow insists Ukraine must drop its NATO bid and recognize occupied regions as Russian territory before it agrees to any peace deal.
Deep Look
The Trump administration has lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling a shift in its diplomatic approach as ceasefire talks intensify. U.S. and Ukrainian officials announced the decision on Tuesday, following high-level negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
During the talks, Ukrainian representatives expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire—a move aimed at testing Russia’s willingness to engage in serious peace discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington will present the proposal to the Kremlin, putting the next steps in Moscow’s hands.
U.S. Ceasefire Proposal: A Test for Russia
Speaking to reporters after the discussions, Rubio emphasized that the decision now rests with Russia.
“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. “If they say no, then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here.”
The ceasefire discussions come just a week after the Trump administration halted military aid to Ukraine, a move meant to pressure President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into negotiations with Russia. With aid now restored, the administration appears to be testing whether Russia will engage in meaningful dialogue or continue its military campaign.
Saudi Arabia Hosts High-Stakes Peace Talks
The Jeddah meeting marked the first direct engagement between U.S. and Ukrainian officials since last month’s explosive Oval Office confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy. The meeting was also attended by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, with American, Ukrainian, and Saudi flags displayed prominently in the background.
Journalists briefly witnessed the opening moments of the meeting, where Rubio appeared upbeat, flashing a thumbs-up to cameras. Across the table, Ukrainian officials—including top diplomats and defense leaders—remained composed, displaying little emotion.
Despite the formalities, Ukraine’s presidential aide, Andriy Yermak, underscored the high stakes of the talks.
“The most important thing is how to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Yermak said. “Security guarantees are crucial to prevent Russia from invading again in the future.”
Escalation on the Battlefield: Largest Drone Strikes Yet
While peace talks were underway, the war on the ground and in the skies showed no signs of slowing down. Hours before the Jeddah meeting, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack of the war, targeting 10 Russian regions. The 343-drone assault resulted in at least three civilian deaths and 18 injuries, including three children.
Russia responded with 126 drone strikes and a ballistic missile attack on Ukraine, further heightening tensions.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the attack included:
- 91 drones shot down over Moscow
- 126 intercepted near Kursk, a key border region
- Massive damage to residential buildings and vehicles
- Temporary flight restrictions in six airports, including Moscow’s Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 70 drones targeted the Russian capital, marking the biggest single attack on Moscow since the war began.
Russia’s Stance: No Compromise Without Territorial Concessions
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has not signaled any willingness to compromise. The Kremlin maintains that a ceasefire is only possible if Ukraine abandons its bid to join NATO and recognizes Russian control over occupied territories.
With nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory under Russian control, Moscow has gained battlefield momentum over the past year, albeit at a high cost in troops and equipment. Russian forces continue targeted offensives in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine invests in high-tech drone warfare to strike deep into Russian territory.
Kyiv’s Divided Response: Ceasefire or Continued Resistance?
On the streets of Kyiv, Ukrainians remain deeply divided over the idea of a ceasefire.
Lena Herasymenko, a psychologist, acknowledged that some form of compromise may be necessary but insisted it must be “reasonable.”
“We had massive losses during this war, and we don’t know yet how much more we’ll have,” she said. “Our kids are suffering, and we don’t know how the future generation will be affected.”
Others, particularly those in the military, remain deeply skeptical.
Oleksandr, a Ukrainian soldier, warned that any ceasefire would only serve to benefit Russia.
“If there is a ceasefire, it would only give Russia time to increase its firepower, manpower, missiles, and other arms. Then they would attack Ukraine again,” he said.
What’s Next?
As Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, prepares to travel to Moscow for further negotiations, global attention will be on whether Russia accepts the ceasefire proposal. The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response, but with escalating battlefield losses and increasing economic pressure, Putin’s next move will be critical.
The outcome of these talks could reshape the course of the war, determining whether Ukraine moves toward peace or faces another intensified phase of conflict.
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