Jeddah: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is on the verge of lifting its freeze on intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling potential progress in the ongoing peace efforts aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. This announcement comes as American and Ukrainian negotiators gear up for critical bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, expressed the US’s readiness to assist Ukraine in achieving a peaceful resolution. “We want to do anything we can to get Ukraine serious about getting something done,” Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s commitment to peace efforts.

A US official relayed to ABC News that while intelligence sharing for offensive operations remains paused, the US continues to provide intelligence to Ukraine for defensive purposes. This nuanced approach underscores the strategic balancing act the US is navigating in its support for Ukraine.

The upcoming talks in Jeddah are seen as a pivotal moment to alleviate recent tensions between the US and Ukraine. These tensions were highlighted during a heated Oval Office meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance. The US delegation, featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, will engage with a Ukrainian team led by Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.

Trump highlighted the expectation for Ukraine to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, suggesting that significant progress is anticipated from the talks. Addressing the controversial minerals deal, Trump expressed optimism about its potential conclusion, linking it to Ukraine’s broader peace aspirations.

On the Ukrainian side, President Zelenskyy reiterated on Telegram that Ukraine has consistently sought peace since the war’s inception, attributing the ongoing conflict to Russian actions. A source close to Zelenskyy revealed Ukraine’s intention to propose a partial ceasefire during the discussions, targeting long-range airstrikes and maritime attacks as initial areas for de-escalation.

US Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the promise of Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal while maintaining that the mineral deal, though significant, is secondary to the primary agenda of securing peace.