In a significant geopolitical shift, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate peace with Russia, citing a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. During a congressional address on Tuesday, Trump stated, “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians.”
Adding to the surprise, Trump revealed that Russia has also shown “strong signals” of readiness for peace. “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he remarked. “It’s time to stop this madness, to halt the killing, and to end this senseless war. If you want peace, you have to talk to both sides.”
While Trump did not disclose a detailed peace plan, his statement marks a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Minerals Deal: A New Condition for U.S. Support?
Another crucial development is Ukraine’s willingness to sign a minerals deal with the U.S., which Washington views as essential for securing continued American backing for Ukraine’s defense. According to sources, the Trump administration and Ukraine had planned to sign this agreement in exchange for military aid—aid that Trump has currently put on hold.
However, later on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied any signing was planned, according to a report from Fox News. Trump himself provided no further details, leaving the status of the deal uncertain.
Zelenskiy’s Attempt to Mend Ties with Trump
Following a heated Oval Office confrontation with Trump last week, Zelenskiy expressed his desire to repair relations with the U.S. He described the previous meeting as “regrettable” and emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties. “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve lasting peace,” he stated on social media.
Zelenskiy outlined a roadmap for peace, suggesting an initial phase involving the release of prisoners and a cessation of air and sea attacks—provided Russia reciprocates. He emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to work closely with the U.S. to negotiate a final agreement.
European Allies Under Pressure as U.S. Shifts Stance
Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine has sent shockwaves through Europe. British and French leaders have pledged support for Ukraine, even offering troops to monitor a potential ceasefire. Meanwhile, Germany has proposed a €500 billion defense fund, while the European Commission is considering mobilizing up to €800 billion for EU defense spending.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed discussions with both Trump and Zelenskiy, expressing optimism over renewed engagement. However, French Prime Minister François Bayrou strongly criticized Trump’s decision to suspend aid, stating, “Pausing military support during a war means abandoning Ukraine and allowing the aggressor to prevail.”
Ukrainian Reactions: Betrayal or Strategic Shift?
Many Ukrainians see the U.S. decision as a betrayal. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs committee, said, “It looks like Trump is pushing us toward capitulation.” In Kyiv, lawyer Olena Bilova voiced a similar sentiment: “Yes, it is betrayal. But let’s hope American civil society and European elites won’t abandon us.”
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely. Will this shift in U.S. policy lead to a breakthrough in negotiations, or will it leave Ukraine vulnerable? The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the conflict.
