U.S. Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine
The U.S. started sending weapons to Ukraine again on Wednesday. This happened a day after President Trump lifted the suspension on military aid. The decision comes as officials wait for Russia’s response to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has agreed to.
Russia Wants More Details on Ceasefire Proposal
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia needs more details from the U.S. before deciding on the ceasefire. He explained that Moscow does not want to rush into a decision. In the past, Russia has only supported a permanent end to the war and has not made any concessions.
Trump Calls on Russia to Accept Ceasefire
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said it is now Russia’s turn to act. He hopes a ceasefire will stop the war’s violence. Trump also warned that the U.S. could impose new sanctions on Russia if necessary.
U.S. Engages Russia Through Multiple Channels
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is using different methods to communicate with Russia and see if President Vladimir Putin is ready for negotiations. He did not share details about what the U.S. would do if Putin refuses. The U.S. hopes Russia will stop attacking Ukraine within a few days.
U.S. Officials in Contact with Russia
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz spoke with his Russian counterpart on Wednesday. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is also heading to Moscow for talks. An anonymous source said Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin later this week.
Ukraine Supports Ceasefire to Plan for Peace
Zelenskyy said the proposed 30-day ceasefire would help both sides create a step-by-step plan to end the war and secure Ukraine’s future. However, he noted that monitoring the truce along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line would be challenging due to the frequent use of drones.
Putin Visits Russian Military Commanders
On Wednesday, Putin visited a Russian military base in the Kursk region. Russian troops are close to pushing Ukrainian forces out of the area. Recently, Russian soldiers regained control of the town of Sudzha, which Ukrainian forces had taken in August. Putin told his commanders he expects the military to “fully free the Kursk region soon.”
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian missile strikes killed at least five civilians on Wednesday, according to officials.
