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“As for the raw materials and security agreements, Ukraine is ready to sign them at any time,” Trump said in a speech to Congress.
US President Donald Trump informed Congress on Tuesday, 4 March, that Ukraine wants to resume signing an agreement with the United States on rare earth metals mining. According to him, he had “literally just received” a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which he confirmed Kyiv’s readiness to sign the agreement at any time.
In addition, the American leader said that in the same letter, Zelenskyy confirmed his readiness to negotiate with Russia to end the war: “Ukraine is ready to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible to achieve sustainable peace.” According to Trump, similar signals of desire for peace are coming from Moscow.
At the same time, the US president sharply criticised Europe for insufficient financial support for Ukraine, saying that EU countries had spent “only $100 billion” to help Kyiv, while his predecessor Joe Biden’s administration had spent $350 billion. These words sparked controversy in Congress, with Republicans applauding Trump’s speech, while Democrats criticised it.
Zelensky: Ukraine awaits official response on suspension of military aid
Earlier in the day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukrainian diplomats to obtain an official explanation from the United States regarding the possible termination of military support. “People should not guess. Ukraine and America deserve a clear dialogue and clear positions,” Zelensky said in a video message from Kyiv.
He also emphasised his desire to resume talks with Trump and presented his own plan to achieve a truce. “No one wants peace more than Ukrainians. We are ready to work under the strong leadership of President Trump to ensure a sustainable peace,” the President of Ukraine said.
Zelenskyy separately reiterated his readiness to sign the agreement on minerals, emphasising that he sees it as a step towards security and stability: “We are ready to sign it at any time, in any format. This is the way to reliable guarantees.”
Tensions after the meeting at the White House
On 28 February, Zelenskyy, Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance had a heated argument during talks at the White House. Trump accused Zelenskyy of being unwilling to negotiate and threatened to withdraw support for Ukraine if Kyiv did not make concessions on the minerals deal. Zelenskyy left the meeting early without signing the document.
On the night of 4 March, a number of US and international media outlets reported on Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend all military aid to Ukraine, adding to the anxiety amid ongoing hostilities and protracted diplomatic negotiations.
Now Kyiv is waiting for official clarifications from the US and is trying to balance the desire for peace, security guarantees and preservation of sovereignty.
