The Trump administration has lifted its suspension of military aid to Ukraine after Kyiv agreed to consider a 30-day ceasefire, putting the onus on Russia to agree to peace talks.
Quick Takes
- The U.S. will immediately resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following Ukraine’s acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
- Ukraine has shown willingness to “stop shooting and start talking” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that the decision for peace now lies with Moscow.
- The U.S. will present the ceasefire proposal to the Kremlin, with European allies preparing security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Russia has not offered concessions and continues to demand Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions and recognize Russian-occupied territories.
- Despite ongoing military operations by both sides, President Trump has invited Ukrainian President Zelensky back to the White House and may speak with President Putin.
Trump Administration Resumes Critical Support
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration announced that it would lift its temporary suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This decision comes after Ukraine agreed to consider a 30-day ceasefire proposal that would pave the way for peace negotiations with Russia. The move represents a calculated approach by the administration to balance military support with diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the three-year conflict that has devastated parts of Ukraine and strained international relations with Russia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear that the ball is now in Russia’s court, stating that the administration would present the ceasefire offer to 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. If they say no, then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here,” said Rubio. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation had demonstrated alignment with President Trump’s vision for peace in the region. The swift resumption of military assistance signals that while the administration is pursuing peace, it remains committed to Ukraine’s defense capabilities as negotiations potentially move forward.
“The intelligence block is lifted. Arms can now resume.”
President Trump has lifted the pause on arms shipments and US intelligence sharing with Ukraine, says @JPonpolitics.
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— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) March 11, 2025
Ukraine Accepts Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for the U.S.-proposed ceasefire, marking a potential turning point in the conflict. “Ukraine welcomes this proposal, we consider it positive, we are ready to take such a step. The United States of America has to convince Russia to do this,” declared Zelensky following discussions with American officials. The proposal outlines a 30-day cessation of hostilities to create space for substantive peace negotiations between the warring parties.
The announcement follows meetings in Saudi Arabia that focused on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have consistently emphasized the importance of achieving “a just and lasting peace” with robust security guarantees. However, public sentiment in Ukraine remains cautious about the ceasefire, with many citizens concerned that a pause in fighting might simply allow Russian forces to regroup and strengthen their positions before resuming offensive operations.
European Support and Russian Position
European leaders have welcomed the progress toward peace, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and other EU officials expressing support for the initiative. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a comprehensive plan to define security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron is leading efforts to form a coalition that could effectively enforce any agreed-upon ceasefire, integrating NATO capabilities into a credible security framework for Ukraine.
Russia has yet to respond officially to the ceasefire proposal. To date, Moscow has not offered concessions and continues to demand that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. On the battlefield, Russia maintains momentum, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, even as Ukraine has developed its arms industry, notably high-tech drones that have targeted Russian territory in recent operations. The conflict continues on both sides, with Ukraine conducting drone strikes on Russian regions and Russia responding with its own attacks.
Path Forward for Peace Efforts
President Trump has indicated he might engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ceasefire proposal and has invited President Zelensky back to the White House. This two-pronged diplomatic approach represents a significant effort by the administration to broker peace after years of brutal conflict. The resumption of military aid to Ukraine provides leverage in any negotiations while demonstrating continued American commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capabilities during this critical diplomatic window.
The coming days will be crucial as the international community awaits Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal. If Moscow agrees, it could mark the beginning of a substantive peace process after three years of devastating warfare. If Russia rejects the offer, the Trump administration’s decision to resume military aid ensures that Ukraine will continue to receive the support it needs to defend its territory and sovereignty while diplomatic channels remain open through American and European efforts.
Sources:
U.S. will immediately resume military aid as Ukraine says it is open to 30-day ceasefire
Ukraine backs 30-day ceasefire as US ends aid freeze
