Ukraine Russia conflict ceasefire reside: Major replace as Donald Trump view now clear
The US has announced it will start sharing vital intelligence with Ukraine again after the war-torn nation agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
Donald Trump‘s White House said on Tuesday that it would immediately lift its suspension of military aid to Ukraine and its intelligence sharing with Kyiv. It came more than a week after the US imposed the measures to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to enter talks into ending the war with Russia
The announcement came after nine hours of talks between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine also said it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, subject to Kremlin agreement.
It comes as Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel later this week to Moscow, where he could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would now present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin, and told reporters in Jeddah: “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.”
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Donald Trump says he could invite Zelensky back to White House
It’s 11 days since Donald Trump launched into an extraordinary attack on the Ukrainian president in front of the cameras in the Oval Office before kicking him out – but he now appears to be warming to the idea of another visit.
In new comments this evening, the US president told reporters he is open to having Volodymyr Zelensky back in the White House following today’s agreement.
Donald Trump warns Canada will pay ‘price so big it will be in history books’ in latest threat
Donald Trump launched another furious attack on Canada today – and threatened to hit the country with tariffs so big they ‘will be read about in history books’.
The US president stepped up his North American trade war today with a new announcement of steep 50% tariffs on all Canadian steel and aluminium – effectively doubling the measures he had previously announced.
Donald Trump said the new tariffs, set to take effect tomorrow, were a response to the price increases by the provincial government of Ontario put on electricity sold to the United States.
The surcharge had been introduced by regional premier Doug Ford in retaliation to previous tariffs announced against Canada by the White House last month.
It was reported this evening that Ford had agreed to suspend the 25% charge, and will attend a meeting with the White House this week.
Donald Trump warns Canada will pay ‘price so big it will be in history books’ in latest threat
Zelensky thanks Trump after Saudi Arabia talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent a message of thanks to Donald Trump for “the constructiveness of our teams’ conversation” in Saudi Arabia today.
Representatives from the US and Ukraine held a nine-hour meeting in the city of Jeddah today in an attempt to rebuild relations after the row between Trump and Zelensky in the White House earlier this month.
The US agreed to a resumption of intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, while Kyiv accepted the US’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefure, which will now be presented to Kremlin.
In a video shared online, Zelensky described today’s agreement as “positive” and said it was “up to the United States” to convince Russia to agree to the ceasefire.
What happens now?
The proposal for a 30-day ceasefire will have to be signed by the Russians – though there is no guarantee that they will accept.
Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reported to flying to Moscow this week, where he may be able to discuss the terms with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, the US has said the military aid and intelligence will begin going into Ukraine again “immediately” after a halt was announced last week.
Full statement from the US on 30-day ceasefire proposal
A statement issued by the US State Department reads: “Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine.
2Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defence of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace.
“The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.
“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.
“The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
“The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the abovementioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
“Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations toward an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine’s long-term security.
“The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia.
“The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process. Lastly, both countries’ presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine’s economy, offset the cost of American assistance, and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security.”
Marco Rubio makes bizarre ‘Mean Girls’ comment
The US secretary of state made an unexpected reference to the 2004 ‘chick flick’ Mean Girls in Saudi Arabia this evening, moment after announcing the new agreement on intelligence between the US and Ukraine.
Asked whether the relationship between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump is now “back on track”, Marco Rubio said: “What’s back on track here is peace.
“This is serious stuff. This is not Mean Girls, this is not some episode of some television show. This is very serious.”
United States to immediately start sharing intelligence with Ukraine again
The United States “will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine“, a joint statement from the US and Ukraine has said.
Ukraine said it is ready to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, the statement added. The proposed ceasefire will be extendable by mutual agreement of both parties, and will need to be accepted by Russia. The announcement came after nine hours of talks between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia today. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said he “would take this offer now to the Russians” and “hope that they will say yes”, adding: “The ball is now in their court.”
Last week, US officials suggested that the withdrawal of intelligence-sharing would be a temporary measure to encourage Ukraine to accept American terms on a peace deal with Russia. “We have taken a step back and are pausing and reviewing all aspects of this relationship,” U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday. CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the suspension a “pause.” There had been fears that the US’s decision to stop sharing military intelligence with Ukraine would cripple its ability to strike and defend against the Russian army amid a renewed wave of drone strikes and ground attacks.
Ukraine relies on US intelligence when operating American-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and the US Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS. Ukraine also relies on US intelligence as an early warning system to help it defend against Russian long-range missiles and drone strikes. Having access to the intelligence in early days of the war back in early 2022 helped Ukraine to thwart Putin’s hopes for a quick victory.
