On the evening of March 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly posted a lengthy message on social media with the headline: “I want to emphasize Ukraine’s commitment to peace.”
Ukraine Desires Peace More Than Anyone
President Zelensky asserted that, more than anyone else, Ukraine longs for peace and that Kyiv is ready to negotiate as soon as possible.
“Our team and I are always prepared to work under the strong leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve lasting peace. We are ready to act swiftly to end the war,” he declared.
Zelensky outlined several steps that the warring parties could take to initiate the process of ending the conflict in Ukraine. These steps include prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire in the air and at sea.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that the use of long-range missiles, drones, and bombs to attack energy infrastructure or other civilian facilities should be prohibited.
He also expressed confidence that if both Ukraine and Russia took these actions, they could quickly move forward with further steps and, together with Washington, reach a solid final agreement.
Kyiv Will Always Be Grateful to Trump
Zelensky also unexpectedly praised Washington’s contributions, as well as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in Ukraine’s security.
“We appreciate everything the United States has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. We also remember the moment President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank weapons—a moment that changed everything. We are grateful for that,” Zelensky stated.
In 2017, during his first term, Trump approved the first-ever U.S. sale of lethal weapons to Ukraine, including Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile systems.
This decision paved the way for future military aid packages and arms deals between Washington and Kyiv.
Finally, Zelensky admitted his regret over the events at the White House on February 28, when he had a heated argument with Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
One of the most intense accusations from Trump and Vance was that Zelensky and Kyiv were ungrateful and did not fully appreciate Washington’s support.
As a result of the confrontation, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House before achieving any of the objectives of his Washington visit.
A few days later, on March 3, Trump announced the suspension of U.S. military aid to Kyiv.
Zelensky expressed his desire to mend relations:
“It is time to make things right. We want future cooperation and communication to be constructive. Regarding the mineral and security agreement, Ukraine is ready to sign it anytime, in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward solid security guarantees, and I sincerely hope it will be effective.”
A Message to the U.S.?
With his conciliatory message, some analysts believe Zelensky’s statement was directed at Washington, aiming to persuade Trump to ease tensions.
In late February, Ukrainian officials were excited to announce a long-term economic agreement with the U.S. The core of the agreement involved establishing a Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, jointly owned by Washington and Kyiv.
Under this agreement, Ukraine would contribute 50% of future mining revenues to the fund, while the U.S. would hold full financial interests.
However, the deal did not include any security guarantees from Washington—something Kyiv had repeatedly sought.
Still, Ukraine hoped the agreement would pave the way for broader security agreements with the U.S. in the future. But the White House confrontation has temporarily halted the possibility of the deal being signed soon.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared that Ukraine remains ready to sign the mineral agreement with the U.S. at any time, even after Washington’s suspension of military aid.