KYIV, Ukraine – The United States has restarted arms deliveries to Ukraine after the Trump administration lifted a temporary suspension on military aid, officials confirmed Wednesday. This comes as Washington awaits Moscow’s response to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, which has Ukraine’s backing.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia is not rushing to take a stance on the ceasefire proposal, emphasizing the need for detailed information from the U.S. Before committing, Moscow wants clarity on Washington’s terms and has historically insisted on a permanent resolution rather than temporary truces.

President Trump, eager to end the three-year conflict, has been pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations. The suspension of U.S. military assistance came shortly after a tense White House meeting between the two leaders. However, following discussions with senior Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the administration abruptly reversed course. “It’s up to Russia now,” Trump said, expressing hope that Moscow will accept the ceasefire. He also hinted at potential new sanctions if Russia refuses to comply, though he preferred avoiding such measures.

U.S. Strengthens Diplomatic Push for Ceasefire: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led negotiations in Saudi Arabia, stated that Washington would engage with multiple channels to gauge President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to discuss peace. While he did not disclose specific strategies, he stressed the importance of diplomatic outreach. As part of its peace efforts, the U.S. has reinstated Ukraine’s access to commercial satellite images from Maxar Technologies. These images provide crucial intelligence for Ukrainian forces, helping them track Russian troop movements and plan military operations.

Ukraine’s Perspective: A Ceasefire as a Strategic Pause: President Zelenskyy defended the proposed 30-day ceasefire, arguing that it would give both sides an opportunity to draft a roadmap for ending the war, including securing long-term guarantees for Ukraine’s safety. However, implementing a ceasefire across the vast 600-mile front line remains a logistical challenge, especially given the frequent use of small but lethal drones.

In the meantime, U.S. arms shipments have resumed through Poland. Ukrainian and Polish foreign ministers confirmed that weapons are being transported via a NATO logistics hub in Rzeszow, about 45 miles from the Ukrainian border. This renewed support is crucial for Ukraine’s exhausted forces, which continue to struggle against Russia’s numerically superior military.

Russia Intensifies Attacks as Negotiations Loom: Even as ceasefire talks progress, Russian forces have escalated their offensive, particularly in the Kursk region. Recent reports suggest Russian troops are advancing into the Ukrainian-occupied town of Sudzha, a key supply hub. While Ukrainian soldiers are fighting to hold their ground, they acknowledge that Russia is making tactical gains.Inside Ukraine, Russian ballistic missile strikes killed at least five civilians on Wednesday, underscoring the ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts.

Russia’s Cautious Stance on the Ceasefire Proposal: Russian lawmakers remain skeptical about the ceasefire negotiations, arguing that any deal must be on Russia’s terms. Some officials believe Moscow should demand broader concessions, including restrictions on Western military aid and elections in Ukraine before committing to a long-term peace agreement.

Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes diplomacy continues. Russia’s foreign intelligence chief, Sergei Naryshkin, recently spoke with CIA Director John Ratcliffe about crisis management and potential areas of cooperation. As the world watches, the key question remains: Will Russia agree to the ceasefire, or will the fighting escalate further?

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Roman Chop/AP