US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington has “just about ended” its freeze on intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a move that signals a possible shift in the US approach toward the ongoing conflict between Kiev and Moscow. His remarks come just days before high-level negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where discussions are expected to focus on potential pathways toward de-escalation and a broader resolution to the war.

The freeze on military aid and intelligence-sharing was imposed following a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky at the White House on February 28. During that encounter, Trump openly criticized Zelensky, accusing him of lacking a genuine desire for peace with Russia and of showing ingratitude for the extensive military and financial assistance provided by the United States. This diplomatic spat led to a swift halt in intelligence-sharing and created a rift in US-Ukraine relations.

When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One on March 9 about potentially lifting the intelligence pause, Trump responded: “We, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have. And we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.” His remarks suggest that Washington is increasingly eager to push Kiev toward a more pragmatic approach in peace negotiations.

The upcoming discussions in Jeddah, scheduled for March 11, will see the US represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. On the Ukrainian side, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, will lead the delegation.

US officials have emphasized that the meeting will serve as a critical test of Ukraine’s readiness to engage in meaningful compromises to end the war. A senior US official, speaking to Reuters on March 10, stated, “You can’t say: ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.’” This statement underscores Washington’s growing frustration with what it perceives as Kiev’s unwillingness to explore diplomatic off-ramps.

According to reports from the Financial Times on March 9, Ukrainian officials intend to propose a partial ceasefire that would cover long-range drone and missile strikes as well as combat operations in the Black Sea. The hope is that such a move would encourage the US to resume full intelligence-sharing and reconsider its decision to withhold further military assistance.

An unnamed Ukrainian official cited by Financial Times confirmed that Kiev’s immediate priority is mending its strained relations with Washington. The shift in diplomatic tone comes amid growing concerns in Ukraine that the US may be recalibrating its commitment to providing indefinite military aid. Without Washington’s support, Kiev faces increasing difficulties in sustaining its military operations, particularly given Russia’s battlefield advances in recent months.

Zelensky has also been under pressure from domestic political circles, as well as European allies, to secure continued backing from Washington. The recent shift in US posture, particularly Trump’s insistence that Ukraine adopt a more pragmatic approach, has raised alarm bells within the Ukrainian leadership. Consequently, the Jeddah talks will serve as a crucial moment for Kiev to demonstrate its willingness to engage in serious negotiations.

While Ukraine appears to be softening its stance in an effort to regain US support, Russia has been adamant that it will not accept a temporary ceasefire. Moscow has repeatedly argued that such pauses in fighting would be exploited by the West to rearm Ukraine, thereby prolonging the conflict rather than resolving it.

The Kremlin has insisted that any settlement must be based on “reliable, legally binding agreements” that address what it describes as the root causes of the conflict. Russia has maintained that the ongoing war is a direct result of Western interference and NATO expansionism, and it seeks security guarantees that ensure long-term stability.

Russian officials have also expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s willingness to adhere to any future agreements. Previous ceasefires and diplomatic efforts have often collapsed, with both sides accusing the other of violations. Moscow’s hardened stance suggests that it is prepared to continue its military campaign until its strategic objectives are met.

Trump’s decision to partially reverse the intelligence-sharing freeze may indicate a broader strategy aimed at steering Ukraine toward a diplomatic resolution. However, the extent to which Washington will resume its previous level of support remains unclear.

The shift in the US position reflects a growing realization in Washington that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to be won through military means alone. With domestic political pressures mounting ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, Trump appears keen to showcase an alternative approach to the conflict-one that prioritizes negotiation over prolonged military engagement.

For Ukraine, the Jeddah talks represent a critical juncture. If Kiev can successfully demonstrate its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, it may be able to secure a renewal of US military support. However, should it fail to convince Washington, Ukraine could find itself increasingly isolated, with fewer options for sustaining its military campaign against Russia.

The upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia will be a decisive moment in shaping the next phase of the war in Ukraine. With Trump signaling a conditional reopening of intelligence-sharing, Kiev faces mounting pressure to take a more flexible stance in peace talks. Meanwhile, Moscow remains firm in its rejection of temporary ceasefires, insisting on legally binding agreements that address its security concerns.

As the conflict continues to evolve, Washington’s recalibration of its support for Ukraine could have far-reaching implications. Whether the US remains fully committed to Kiev’s war effort or pivots toward a diplomatic resolution remains to be seen. The outcome of the Jeddah talks will likely provide a clearer picture of Ukraine’s future trajectory and Washington’s long-term strategic objectives in the region.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel