The Art of the Deal: U.S. Resumes Military Aid, So Ukraine Is Now Open to A Ceasefire With Russia

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The Trump administration has lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Kyiv signaled its willingness to enter a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. The decision followed high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials negotiated the terms of the proposed truce. Now, the focus shifts to Moscow, which has yet to respond to the offer. The move highlights Trump’s negotiation tactics that leveraged aid to push both sides toward a U.S.-led peace process.

The Art of the Deal: How Trump Positioned the U.S. as the Peace Broker

The U.S. had previously suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine as part of a pressure campaign aimed at pushing Kyiv toward negotiations with Russia. The move came shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The suspension, which lasted eight days, was widely seen as an effort to bring Ukraine to the table while testing its commitment to ending the war.

However, Tuesday’s meeting in Saudi Arabia signaled a change in direction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the U.S. delegation and confirmed that military support would resume immediately. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized that Ukraine had agreed to stop hostilities along the entire front line and was prepared to engage in serious negotiations. The Trump administration, rather than appearing to unconditionally back Ukraine, structured its support as part of a diplomatic deal—forcing concessions before restoring aid.

Why Ukraine Agreed to the Ceasefire

Ukraine’s willingness to back a ceasefire is rooted in several factors. The war, now in its third year, has placed immense strain on its military and economy. The ongoing Russian offensive, which includes missile strikes and drone attacks, has taken a heavy toll. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Western allies, including the U.S., have signaled a growing interest in pursuing diplomatic solutions.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine has sought peace from the beginning of the war. He described the proposed ceasefire as an opportunity to achieve a secure and lasting resolution. However, skepticism remains within Ukraine, with some fearing that a temporary pause would allow Russia to regroup and launch renewed attacks once the truce expires. By agreeing to the deal under U.S. terms, Kyiv ensured continued military support while also demonstrating a willingness to engage in diplomacy.

Trump’s Tactical Approach: Why the U.S. Resumed Military Aid

For the U.S., lifting the aid suspension is part of a larger negotiation strategy. Trump’s administration framed the ceasefire deal as a way to shift the burden onto Russia. If Moscow rejects it, Washington can argue that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace. Rubio made this point clear, stating, “If the Russians say no, we will know what the impediment is here.”

This move also allows Trump to maintain control over the peace process, ensuring that Washington—not Europe or China—remains the key player in diplomatic talks. Resuming military aid under these conditions positions Trump as a dealmaker rather than a passive participant in the war. It also allows him to justify continued U.S. involvement while showing restraint compared to previous administrations that offered unconditional support.

Moscow’s Reaction and Potential Roadblocks

As of now, Russia has not issued a formal response to the ceasefire proposal. Kremlin officials have previously insisted that any truce must be part of a broader settlement that includes Ukraine renouncing its NATO ambitions and ceding occupied territories. Russian hardliners, including military bloggers and political figures, have voiced opposition to a ceasefire, arguing that it would give Ukraine time to rebuild its military capabilities.

Despite these challenges, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators remain optimistic. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Moscow later this week to discuss the proposal with Russian officials. Whether the Kremlin accepts or rejects the ceasefire will determine the next phase of the conflict.

The Ball Is Now In Russia’s Court

The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed that if Russia accepts the ceasefire, negotiations will begin immediately on a long-term peace deal. The truce could also be extended beyond 30 days by mutual agreement. Meanwhile, humanitarian relief efforts, including prisoner exchanges and the return of displaced civilians, are expected to be part of the discussions.

For now, all eyes are on Moscow. If Russia refuses the proposal, the U.S. has made it clear that military support for Ukraine will continue. With the battlefield situation still fluid, the next few days could determine whether this is the beginning of a diplomatic breakthrough or just another temporary pause in a prolonged war.

Is Trump’s ceasefire deal the right approach for ending the war? Tell us what you think!

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