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Friday, Mar 21, 2025
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US Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine Following Ceasefire Proposal
In a significant diplomatic shift, Ukraine agrees to a 30-day ceasefire as the US lifts military aid restrictions amid ongoing negotiations.
Ukraine has expressed readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire in its conflict with Russia, a development that follows high-stakes negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The US government announced the immediate lifting of restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, marking a crucial turning point in the support the country receives from its largest ally.
The proposal for a ceasefire was put forth during discussions that took place nearly two weeks after a contentious meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Oval Office meeting had led to the US temporarily halting its military aid to Ukraine, causing tensions between the two nations, despite Zelenskyy's efforts to maintain positive relations.
In a joint statement following the Jeddah talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US hopes for reciprocal actions from Russia, highlighting that the future of any peace agreement now rests in Russian hands.
He stated, "The ball is now in Russia’s court," indicating a reliance on Moscow to respond favorably to the ceasefire proposal.
Ukrainian officials acknowledged the importance of the discussion, with President Zelenskyy affirming his commitment to peace and expressing gratitude for US support.
"We see it as a positive step and are ready to take it," he declared, further challenging Russia to respond in kind.
The proposed ceasefire is characterized as an interim arrangement, subject to possible extensions should both parties mutually agree.
The US administration's decision to resume military assistance includes vital deliveries of military supplies and intelligence, which had been halted less than two weeks prior amid rising tensions.
US officials articulated that this resumption of aid aims to bolster Ukraine's position as it navigates these delicate negotiations.
The agreement elicited positive responses from European leaders, who called it a crucial moment for peace in Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire proposal, depicting it as an opportunity for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Starmer, along with other European leaders, pledged to continue supporting Ukraine through robust diplomatic channels and potential peacekeeping efforts.
The military situation on the ground remains tense, with reports indicating that Russia has recently launched offensives in the Kursk region, regaining territory previously held by Ukrainian forces.
Disruption in drone attacks aimed at Moscow has also heightened military activity, adding complexity to the ongoing conflict.
As the White House prepares for discussions with Russian officials about the ceasefire, further developments will depend significantly on Russia's willingness to reciprocate the ceasefire terms articulated by the US and Ukraine.
Both nations emphasized a mutual commitment to exploring paths that lead to an end to hostilities in the region.
The US government announced the immediate lifting of restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, marking a crucial turning point in the support the country receives from its largest ally.
The proposal for a ceasefire was put forth during discussions that took place nearly two weeks after a contentious meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Oval Office meeting had led to the US temporarily halting its military aid to Ukraine, causing tensions between the two nations, despite Zelenskyy's efforts to maintain positive relations.
In a joint statement following the Jeddah talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US hopes for reciprocal actions from Russia, highlighting that the future of any peace agreement now rests in Russian hands.
He stated, "The ball is now in Russia’s court," indicating a reliance on Moscow to respond favorably to the ceasefire proposal.
Ukrainian officials acknowledged the importance of the discussion, with President Zelenskyy affirming his commitment to peace and expressing gratitude for US support.
"We see it as a positive step and are ready to take it," he declared, further challenging Russia to respond in kind.
The proposed ceasefire is characterized as an interim arrangement, subject to possible extensions should both parties mutually agree.
The US administration's decision to resume military assistance includes vital deliveries of military supplies and intelligence, which had been halted less than two weeks prior amid rising tensions.
US officials articulated that this resumption of aid aims to bolster Ukraine's position as it navigates these delicate negotiations.
The agreement elicited positive responses from European leaders, who called it a crucial moment for peace in Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire proposal, depicting it as an opportunity for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Starmer, along with other European leaders, pledged to continue supporting Ukraine through robust diplomatic channels and potential peacekeeping efforts.
The military situation on the ground remains tense, with reports indicating that Russia has recently launched offensives in the Kursk region, regaining territory previously held by Ukrainian forces.
Disruption in drone attacks aimed at Moscow has also heightened military activity, adding complexity to the ongoing conflict.
As the White House prepares for discussions with Russian officials about the ceasefire, further developments will depend significantly on Russia's willingness to reciprocate the ceasefire terms articulated by the US and Ukraine.
Both nations emphasized a mutual commitment to exploring paths that lead to an end to hostilities in the region.
