In an address to Congress Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing readiness to negotiate peace with Russia and finalize a critical minerals agreement with the United States. It came after Zelensky said in a social media post that he was ready to work under Trump’s “strong leadership” to achieve a lasting peace.
This development follows Friday’s tense meeting at the White House, where discussions between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky became heated, resulting in a suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. The renewed communication indicates a potential shift towards resolving the conflict and strengthening economic ties through a minerals deal.
The US president also said there had been “serious discussions” with Russia, and he had “received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”
Trump did not indicate when the talks took place, or whether he was personally involved in them.
“It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides,” he added.
CBS News: Ukraine natural resources deal not ready as Trump seeks better terms
The agreement between Kyiv and Washington regarding Ukraine’s natural resources remains unfinished, with US President Donald Trump pushing for a “bigger, better deal,” CBS News reported on March 4, citing unnamed sources.
Originally set for signing on February 28, the deal was delayed following a public dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, casting uncertainty over its future.
Following the US decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky expressed regret over the disagreement and reaffirmed his willingness to sign the minerals agreement and work toward peace.
CBS News did not specify what aspects of the deal Trump seeks to renegotiate.
The long-discussed agreement was to establish a fund where Ukraine contributes to the US 50% of the revenue from future sales of state-owned mineral resources, including oil, gas, and logistics infrastructure.
Washington has reportedly presented three versions of the deal, with Ukraine rejecting the first two due to the absence of security guarantees. Despite growing US pressure, the third version also lacked firm security commitments, instead including a clause stating that the fund would be reinvested annually in Ukraine to support “safety, security, and prosperity.”
The Trump administration has hesitated to provide security assurances, arguing that economic support itself serves as a security measure and that Europe should take primary responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky open to negotiation but cautious of quick deals
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is open to peace negotiations but remains cautious about the terms and speed of any potential deal.
In a statement, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace but warned against rushing into a resolution. “None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” he said. However, he emphasized that a fast-tracked deal could be detrimental. “If it is very fast, it’s going to end up in a loss for Ukraine,” he said, hinting at concerns over potential compromises that may favor Russia.
Zelensky also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s security, including discussions on an agreement allowing the US access to Ukrainian minerals. This, he believes, would help solidify Ukraine’s defense and economic stability.
Meanwhile, reports from Kyiv suggest that Ukraine’s leadership remains skeptical of the nature of negotiations under Trump, with some officials describing past interactions with him as difficult. One senior official reportedly characterized discussions as full of “blackmail and shouting.”
Despite these concerns, Ukraine is signaling its willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts—but on terms that ensure its sovereignty and long-term stability.
Europe agrees on steps to peace in Ukraine, but they need US backing
At a summit meeting in London last weekend, European leaders, Canada and Turkey pledged to continue military support for Ukraine.
At the ‘For the Security of Our Future’ summit in London, European leaders, along with Canada and Turkey, reaffirmed their commitment to military support for Ukraine.
Diplomatic sources say Zelensky’s visit to Washington ended without clear assurances of continued US military aid, raising concerns about a potential shift in American policy. President Trump, who has previously expressed skepticism about long-term support for Ukraine, reportedly urged Kyiv to pursue peace negotiations with Moscow—an approach met with frustration by Ukrainian officials.
In response, European nations, Canada, and Turkey have now pledged to step up their military assistance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We will not allow Ukraine to stand alone. Europe, alongside our allies, remains steadfast in its support.”
The French President and German Chancellor echoed this stance, confirming that additional military aid packages—including air defense systems, ammunition, and armored vehicles—would be sent to Ukraine in the coming months. Turkish President Erdogan also reaffirmed Ankara’s role in facilitating military supplies and logistical support.
This renewed commitment highlights growing European determination to back Ukraine, even as uncertainties over future US involvement persist. Analysts suggest the shift could mark a turning point in transatlantic relations, with Europe taking greater responsibility for regional security.
The summit is set to continue with further discussions on bolstering Europe’s defense infrastructure and addressing long-term security challenges.
European Commission President, European Council President, and NATO Secretary-General were also at the table.
Speaking at a press conference after the summit, UK PM Keir Starmer announced that Ukraine’s western allies will keep military aid flowing to accomplish the aim of a lasting peace that must ensure the liberty and sovereignty of Ukraine.
He also reiterated the readiness of the United Kingdom “to put boots on the ground and planes in the air” to defend Ukraine if necessary, evoking a “coalition of the willing” of other countries to do the same.
“Europe must do the heavy lifting, but must have the strong backing of the United States,” he said.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe has to put Ukraine in a position of strength, which included economic, energy and military resilience.
She stressed the “importance” of providing security guarantees to Ukraine to turn the war-torn country into a “steel porcupine” that would be “indigestible for potential invaders” like Russia.
Then, she spoke about the need to “urgently” rearm the European Union and unleash a “surge” in defense spending that can meet the new geopolitical situation.
“We really have to step up” and “prepare for the worst,” she said.
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed the idea of sending peacekeepers from NATO member states to Ukraine, saying Moscow would consider such a deployment a “NATO presence” and that Moscow would not allow it.
UK pledges £2.26 Billion loan to Ukraine under G7 initiative
In the scope of the 7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans, the UK has committed £2.26 billion to Ukraine, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko signing the agreement on March 1. The goal is to properly aid Ukraine’s military at a crucial stage in the war.
The loan money was sourced from profits gained from sanctioning Russian sovereign assets in the EU and is set to be delivered in three annual payments of £752 million. The first installment is expected this week, exclusively for military procurement.
Reeves emphasized, “A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom.” This agreement aligns with the UK’s increased defense spending, projected to reach 2.5% of GDP and potentially 3% in the next parliamentary term.
Beyond the loan, the UK provides £3 billion annually in military aid. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed out that supporting Ukraine is essential for European stability and UK national security.
The UK maintains its stance that Russia must pay for the damage it has caused in Ukraine. This G7 initiative is a significant step toward holding Russia accountable while asserting the UK’s commitment to long-term security.
US blocks UK from sharing intelligence with Ukraine amid aid freeze
The United States on Tuesday banned Britain from sharing American intelligence with Ukraine, further withdrawing its support from Kyiv, with directives from Donald Trump freezing US military aid, a decision that has raised concerns over Ukraine being left in a critical situation. It is projected that upon this move, Ukraine will face a shortage of weapons within months.
Previously, intelligence labeled “Rel UKR” (Releasable to Ukraine) was routinely shared with Kyiv by the UK and other allies like Australia and New Zealand. However, Washington has now canceled this classification, halting UK intelligence agencies, including GCHQ, from sharing US-generated information.
The decision is expected to negatively impact Ukraine’s battlefield strategy, which continues to resist Russian aggression. UK military intelligence expert Phil Ingram declared that such a restriction shows broader implications of America’s shifting stance on the conflict.
‘We need to prepare for not having the US by our side’ – Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to prepare for a future where the United States may not provide unwavering support. In a national address this week, he stated, “I want to believe that the US will stay by our side, but we have to be that they might not be.”
Macron emphasized that Europe’s destiny should not be determined by external powers, asserting, “The future of Europe cannot be decided in Moscow or Washington.”
In light of these concerns, Macron proposed extending France’s nuclear deterrent to encompass European allies, reinforcing the continent’s defense capabilities.
He also criticized recent US tariff decisions, describing them as detrimental to both economies.
Russian officials and lawmakers accused Macron of rhetoric that could push the world towards the abyss.
Ukraine Battlefield Updates
Russian forces attacked an energy facility in the Odesa region in southern Ukraine, the region’s energy firm DTEK said. According to the firm’s statement, this is the fourth attack on the energy infrastructure in the region within two weeks, attacks which have damaged “critical infrastructure” and resulted in power, water and heat outages in the Black Sea territory. Odesa’s Governor Oleh Kiper said a 77-year-old man was killed by shrapnel in a village outside Odesa, while Oleksandr Prokudin, the Governor of Kherson, confirmed a 55-year-old was killed in Kherson City in a separate attack.
A Kremlin missile struck a building, killing three and injuring 31 more in central Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih city, Zelensky’s hometown, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said. As well as the hotel, 14 apartment buildings, a post office, shops and cars were also damaged in the attack, authorities said.
Ukraine’s Air Force said it shot down 115 of 181 Russian drones targeting Ukraine in an overnight attack Wednesday. Based on a military statement, an additional 55 drones were lost and failed to reach their targets. The fate of the remaining 11 drones was not disclosed.
Russian news agencies reported Moscow’s Defense Ministry as saying that Kremlin forces took control of the Pryvilne village in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said Scott Rhys Anderson, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after being convicted of a “terrorist act” and acting as a mercenary when he was captured while fighting for Ukraine.
Compiled by Ana Dumbadze
