Morning Note

Ukraine agreed to an immediate 30-day U.S.-proposed ceasefire on Tuesday, opening the door for Europe to no longer be a war zone for the first time in years. 

“Ukraine is ready to start talking and stop shooting…” Marco Rubio said after more than seven hours of negotiations. “And hopefully we’ll take this offer now to the Russians, and we hope that they’ll say yes, that they’ll say yes to peace. The ball is now in their court.” 

As part of the deal, the U.S. lifted its pause on Ukrainian intelligence sharing and will immediately resume lethal aid shipments. It does not include a minerals provision.

While deepening America’s involvement in this war is not in our country’s national interest, the Trump administration’s likely thought is that resuming weapons shipments will increase the West’s negotiating leverage and incentivize the Kremlin to come to the table. The president wants to broker a deal from a position of strength. 

Russia’s response could reveal whether Vladimir Putin earnestly wants peace.

Read more here, hear Rubio’s comments after the meeting here, and watch Tucker’s instant reaction here.