Trump Receives Letter from Zelensky on Peace Negotiations.

Zelensky Writes to Trump, Signals Willingness to Meet Putin

Washington, March 5, 2025

In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness to engage in peace talks with Russia and sign agreements concerning rare earth minerals, following a tense standoff with US President Donald Trump.

During a speech in Congress, Trump revealed that his office had received a letter from Zelensky, confirming Ukraine's willingness to enter into negotiations aimed at securing a lasting peace. Zelensky’s message, as quoted by Trump, highlighted Ukraine's desire for peace and its commitment to working with the US under Trump’s leadership to achieve this goal.

“Ukraine is ready to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring about lasting peace. No one desires peace more than the Ukrainians,” Trump stated in his speech, quoting Zelensky's letter.

The letter also expressed Ukraine's openness to signing agreements related to its rare earth mineral reserves, including resources such as titanium, lithium, and manganese, which are considered crucial for sectors like aerospace, electric vehicles, and medical device manufacturing in the United States.

"Then we want to move forward quickly with the next steps and work with the US to agree on a final, solid deal,” Zelensky added.

This letter comes just days after a heated confrontation between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office, which led to the suspension of critical US military aid to Ukraine. This decision has raised concerns over the increased vulnerability of Ukraine, as over 60% of the weapons used by Zelensky's forces have been provided by the United States.

In the aftermath, Zelensky has made efforts to mend relations with Trump. He expressed regret over the recent diplomatic fallout and emphasized his commitment to rebuilding the relationship for the sake of future cooperation. “It’s time to fix things,” Zelensky said, reiterating his desire for constructive dialogue moving forward.

While the US suspension of military aid to Ukraine has garnered significant attention, it has also opened a window for Russia to take more aggressive actions, potentially jeopardizing Ukraine’s defense. The suspension of aid underscores the stakes of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry, with rare earth mineral resources becoming a key element in the unfolding situation.

In his message, Zelensky also thanked the US for its past support, acknowledging the crucial role the American assistance has played in maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. “We deeply value what the United States has done to help Ukraine sustain its freedom and independence,” he said.

Reports from Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher in Washington indicate that Zelensky’s statement about seeking dialogue signals that the Friday meeting did not unfold as anticipated. The Ukrainian president seems under pressure to accept the terms that Trump is prepared to offer, including rare earth mineral access, in exchange for some level of US aid.

Meanwhile, Russia has welcomed the cessation of US military aid, calling it a step toward peace, though they are waiting for confirmation of Trump’s move. The suspension has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who have expressed concerns about the new direction in Trump’s policy toward Russia, especially given the long-standing bipartisan commitment to defending Europe from Russian aggression.