Russia has responded after Donald Trump read out a letter that President Zelenskyy had sent him following their disastrous meeting.
Zelenskyy has signaled a willingness to negotiate peace with Russia, which seemed to be on the rocks a few days ago.
The shift in tone came after a heated February 28 meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance at the Oval Office.
The discussion, which was supposed to focus on Ukraine’s security and a proposed mineral trade agreement, quickly escalated into a tense confrontation, culminating in Zelenskyy being asked to leave early.
Now, Trump has publicly read a letter from Zelenskyy, stating that Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table “as soon as possible.”
Despite the dramatic fallout from their meeting, Zelenskyy later wrote to Trump, a letter which was read aloud in Congress on March 4.
The Ukrainian leader wrote: “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”
He also emphasized Ukraine’s gratitude toward the U.S., stating: “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.”
The letter also referenced the rare earth minerals agreement that was supposed to be signed during Zelenskyy’s visit – before tensions derailed the discussion. Zelenskyy assured Trump that Ukraine was still “ready” to sign the deal at any time.
Trump seized on the opportunity to push for diplomatic efforts, stating: “It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”
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He even claimed that “serious discussions” with Russia had already taken place, though details remain unclear.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from Moscow, with Kremlin officials welcoming the idea of peace talks – but raising questions about how they would proceed, per the Independent.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to Zelenskyy’s letter, saying: “We are positive. The question is with whom to sit at the negotiating table.”
However, he pointed out a major obstacle: a 2022 decree signed by Zelenskyy himself, which explicitly banned negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“For now, the legal ban by the Ukrainian President holding talks with the Russian side is in force. Overall, the approach is positive, but the details have not changed yet,” Peskov noted.
Meanwhile, despite the talk of peace, Russia launched a drone attack on Odesa on March 4, killing a 77-year-old woman and injuring three others. Ukrainian forces retaliated, claiming to have shot down 115 out of the 181 drones fired in the overnight assault.
One of the biggest bombshells from the recent developments is Trump’s decision to pause all military aid to Ukraine – a move that has drastically shifted U.S. foreign policy.
Since Russia’s invasion began three years ago, the U.S. has provided approximately $65.9 billion in military assistance, but that support may now be in jeopardy, per the Guardian.
Peskov described the decision as “the best contribution to the cause of peace,” suggesting that without U.S. aid, Ukraine may be forced to come to the table.
Trump, meanwhile, doubled down on his stance, telling Congress: “We have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
