Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, marking a potential turning point in the war, Kyiv and Washington announced Tuesday. The breakthrough came during diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia, where the U.S. also agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
According to a joint statement from the U.S. and Ukraine, the ceasefire will take effect immediately but requires Russia’s agreement and compliance. "The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace," the statement read.
Will Russia Agree?
While Ukraine has expressed willingness to pause fighting, Russia has yet to formally respond. The Kremlin’s stance remains uncertain, especially following Ukraine’s largest drone strike of the war on Moscow Monday night. Ukrainian drones targeted key Russian oil facilities, including a refinery in Moscow. Russian officials claimed they shot down 337 drones across ten regions, with reports of three deaths and 18 injuries.
The ceasefire discussions follow high-level talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia last month. The goal of those meetings was to reset relations and explore potential pathways to ending the conflict. However, skepticism remains about whether Russia is ready to commit to any peace efforts.
U.S. and Ukraine Rebuild Ties
The diplomatic breakthrough follows a tense period in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Last month, a heated confrontation between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led to the U.S. halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. That move also derailed a minerals trade deal between the two nations.
Following the fallout, Zelensky expressed regret over the dispute and signaled a willingness to engage in peace negotiations. On Sunday, President Trump confirmed that military assistance to Ukraine would soon resume and suggested that the minerals agreement could still move forward. "The killing on the battlefield has to stop," Trump said aboard Air Force One.
What’s Next?
With U.S. aid and intelligence support back on the table, Ukraine’s military position could strengthen, but much hinges on Russia’s response to the ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, both countries will continue negotiating a broader agreement to expand Ukraine’s mineral production and compensate the U.S. for its military support.
