Zelensky Signals Readiness to Negotiate with Trump for Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken a surprising step toward diplomacy, announcing his willingness to collaborate with President Donald Trump to achieve “lasting peace.” This unexpected gesture came in the wake of a tense Oval Office meeting where Trump expressed frustration and announced a suspension of military aid to Kyiv.

Zelensky stated, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve lasting peace,” highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to peace and the urgency of initiating negotiations.

Zelensky acknowledged that no one desires an extended conflict more than the Ukrainian people and expressed his readiness to sit down for talks immediately. He proposed several concrete measures, including the release of prisoners, a ceasefire that prohibits the use of missiles, long-range drones, and bombs targeting civilian infrastructure, as well as a cessation of hostilities at sea, contingent on similar actions from Russia. He expressed optimism about making swift progress toward a final agreement that would enhance Ukraine’s security and receive backing from the United States.

In his address, Zelensky also thanked Washington for its enduring support, particularly for the delivery of Javelin systems during Trump’s first presidency, and expressed disappointment over the outcome of the February 28 meeting at the White House.

He emphasized the importance of a proposed agreement regarding mineral resources and security, which Ukraine is prepared to sign in any format. This document is viewed as a vital step toward bolstering security guarantees. However, his call for negotiations comes amid difficult discussions, with reports suggesting that Trump is insisting on concessions from Kyiv, including freezing the front line and halting any further offensive actions.

Zelensky’s initiative appears to be a strategic response to the Trump administration’s reassessment of its policy toward Ukraine that began in early 2025. According to Reuters, Trump suspended military aid to Kyiv following a disagreement with Zelensky, urging him to adopt a more flexible stance in negotiations with Russia. Bloomberg reports that Trump views access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, valued in the trillions, as an opportunity to strengthen the American economy on his terms. Sources cited by The Washington Post indicate that, facing a freeze on aid, Zelensky felt compelled to make concessions to maintain U.S. support.

Global reactions to Zelensky’s statement have been mixed. European nations, including Germany, welcomed his willingness to negotiate but expressed concerns regarding potential concessions to Moscow.