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U.S. says Ukraine accepted ceasefire offer; administration lifts pause on aid and resumes drawdown authority
Summary
An administration official said Ukraine accepted a U.S. offer for an immediate ceasefire and talks; the president has lifted a pause on U.S. security assistance and authorized the use of current presidential drawdown authority, effective immediately. No Russian response or firm deadlines were announced.
An administration official said Thursday that Ukraine accepted a U.S. offer to enter an immediate ceasefire and begin negotiations to end the war, and that the president has lifted a pause on U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, effective immediately.
The official, speaking at a White House briefing, said the offer is for the fighting to stop so both sides can negotiate an “end to this conflict in a way that’s enduring and sustainable.” The official thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting diplomatic meetings that produced the Ukrainian acceptance and said the U.S. would now present the offer to Russia through multiple diplomatic channels.
The official said, “The offer is to stop the shooting. The goal here is the only way to end this war is to negotiate out of it,” and added that “we hope the Russians will say yes.” The administration described the action on U.S. assistance as a resumption of the current presidential drawdown authority (PDA); the official said the Department of Defense will provide details about what munitions and equipment are included.
Reporters asked whether the ceasefire was the partial, aerial-and-maritime pause previously discussed or a full halt to fighting across the front line; the official said the offer is for fighting to stop on the ground as well and that the written details are contained in a joint statement released by the delegations. When asked whether a specific deadline or a 30‑day term applied, the official said no firm deadline was set and the administration hopes for an immediate Russian response.
On outstanding bilateral matters, the official said a negotiated minerals agreement between the United States and Ukraine was not signed at the meeting but that both presidents had instructed their governments — including Treasury on the U.S. side — to complete and sign the deal. The official also said discussions could include prisoner exchanges and other humanitarian issues but reiterated that stopping the fighting was the priority.
The administration said the offer will be communicated to Russia “through our diplomatic channels” and other methods; one individual referenced in the briefing, identified only as “Mr. Witkoff,” was reported to be traveling to Moscow as part of next steps. The official said Secretary Rubio will meet with Group of Seven foreign ministers and that the NATO secretary general is scheduled to visit the White House, as part of continuing shuttle diplomacy.
No formal vote or congressional action was reported; the official presented the pause lift and PDA resumption as executive actions by the president. The administration said the decision is effective immediately and that Defense Department officials will provide specific information about the security assistance being delivered.
If Russia accepts the offer, the administration said, the next phase would be substantive negotiations over guarantees for Ukraine’s long‑term security and prosperity. If Russia declines, the official said, the administration would view that as the impediment to achieving peace.
The briefing concluded without a firm timeline for Russian action and with the administration urging rapid reciprocation so talks can proceed.
