Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed regret over his fiery Oval Office clash with Donald Trump last Friday, vowing to “make things right.”
A day after Trump suspended US military aid, Zelensky signaled Kyiv’s eagerness for peace talks, even offering the US access to Ukrainian minerals, a deal he’d sidelined during his stormy Washington exit.
I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
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. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 4, 2025“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” Zelensky posted on X. “We’re ready to negotiate as soon as possible under President Trump’s strong leadership for a lasting deal.” Ignoring the aid pause, he focused on gratitude: “We value America’s support for our sovereignty. Friday’s White House meeting went off track, it’s time to fix it.” The Zelensky Trump clash had seen Trump and VP JD Vance scold him for lacking appreciation, prompting calls from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for an apology.
BREAKING: President Donald Trump ordered a pause to all military aid to Ukraine https://t.co/T2MZHXCi6k
— Bloomberg (@business) March 4, 2025Zelenskiy pitched a roadmap: Start with prisoner swaps and a halt to air and sea attacks. If Russia reciprocates, then race toward a “strong final deal” with US backing.
Read: Trump Halts Ukraine Military Aid, Urges Peace with Russia
The shift follows Trump’s aid halt, which shakes up US policy and tilts toward Russia. Ukraine’s PM Denys Shmyhal doubled down, insisting forces can hold the line but stressing calm cooperation with the US. “We’ve got one plan: win and survive,” Shmyhal said.
