US military aid, intelligence sharing resume with Ukraine: Axios
3 Min Read
In Saudi Arabia, the US agrees to lift its suspension on intelligence sharing with Ukraine and restart weapons shipments that had been halted eight days prior.
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This handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on March 11, 2025, shows (from L) US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha and Ukraine's Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov as they pose for a photograph after attending the Ukrainian and US delegations meeting in Jeddah. (AFP)
US military aid to Ukraine resumed on Tuesday, along with the full restoration of intelligence sharing between the two nations, Axios reported, citing a source close to the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine has signaled its willingness to accept a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia, according to a joint statement issued by both countries following a high-level meeting between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
If implemented, the ceasefire would mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing three-year war between Russia and Ukraine. However, the Kremlin has yet to respond to the US proposal.
"The ball is now in their court. We hope the Russians will reciprocate," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a press conference following the meeting.
During the meeting, which lasted over five hours, the US agreed to lift its suspension on intelligence sharing with Ukraine and restart weapons shipments that had been halted eight days prior, Axios mentioned.
After weeks of pressing Ukraine, Washington has now shifted its focus to Russia. "If the Russians say no, we will know what the impediment is here," Rubio remarked.
At the White House, US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia would agree to the ceasefire and announced plans to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for another visit.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed that Ukraine not only accepted the US proposal but also outlined its principles for a comprehensive peace agreement, including necessary security guarantees.
He added that Trump made it clear that hostilities must cease entirely—not just air and missile strikes. Zelensky later confirmed in a statement that the proposed ceasefire would encompass all frontline combat.
Diplomatic framework
According to the joint statement, the ceasefire remains contingent on Russian approval and could be extended beyond 30 days by mutual agreement between Kiev and Moscow.
The US pledged to convey Ukraine’s proposals to Russia, while Kiev reaffirmed that European partners must be involved in the peace process.
"Before you negotiate, you need to stop shooting at each other. That's what the president wanted to see," Rubio stressed.
The US delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was led by Rubio and Waltz, while Ukraine’s delegation was headed by Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, along with Ukraine’s foreign and defense ministers.
Economic agreement and next steps
Beyond the ceasefire discussions, the US and Ukraine agreed to finalize a comprehensive deal on the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. An initial agreement had been negotiated, but Trump postponed its signing last month following a dispute with Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Rubio stated that both presidents have now instructed their teams to move forward with the agreement.
Meanwhile, the State Department confirmed that both delegations had agreed to name their negotiating teams and initiate formal peace talks with Russia.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow on Thursday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss the ceasefire proposal.
Waltz is also expected to engage with his Russian counterpart in the coming days, while Rubio will meet with his G7 counterparts to chart the next steps.
Read more: Role of US envoy for Ukraine Kellogg 'very much in question': Politico
