05.03.2025 18:30
White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that the U.S. is in discussions regarding the date, location, and negotiation team for potential talks with Ukraine. Waltz, who viewed Zelensky's letter as a positive step, stated that confidence-building measures could be put on the table and that this situation might lead the U.S. to reassess its aid to Ukraine.
The White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said, "Teams are discussing the date, place, and negotiation team for possible negotiations between Washington and Kyiv. We are also addressing confidence-building measures that we will later present to the Russians and test on that side."
A LETTER FROM ZELENSKY TO TRUMP
After being re-elected for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in his first address to Congress that he received an important letter from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, in which Zelensky expressed his readiness to sit at the negotiation table as soon as possible to achieve lasting peace for Ukraine. He also mentioned that the minerals agreement planned with the U.S. is ready to be signed at any date suitable for Washington.
"AID TO UKRAINE WILL BE REVIEWED AGAIN"
White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz addressed the U.S. halting aid to Ukraine and Zelensky's letter to Trump in an interview with a television channel. Waltz noted that if peace talks are organized and confidence-building measures are taken, Trump could reconsider the suspended aid to Ukraine.
"TEAMS ARE DISCUSSING FOR NEGOTIATIONS"
Waltz described Zelensky's letter as "a positive step," stating, "Teams are discussing the date, place, and negotiation team for negotiations. We are also addressing confidence-building measures that we will later present to the Russians and test on that side." Without providing details on the confidence-building measures, Waltz said, "I think if we can conclude these negotiations and move towards them, and if we can actually put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the President will seriously consider lifting this pause. We need to know that both sides are sincerely negotiating first for a partial and then for a lasting peace."
THE FIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE?
During a meeting at the White House between Trump and Zelensky, a lengthy discussion took place during the Q&A session in the Oval Office, where Trump told Zelensky, "Either you sign this agreement or we are out. We are trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us how to feel. You are gambling with World War III, and what you are doing is disrespectful to our country. We are trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us how to feel because you are not in a position to dictate that."
As the discussion continued, Trump stated, "Your country is in big trouble. You know that. You are disrespecting our country; I know you cannot win without us."
Zelensky remarked that the current text for the rare earth elements agreement with the U.S. is "not sufficient," stating, "We will never accept just a ceasefire. We will not act without security guarantees."
After a lengthy discussion in front of the cameras, the meeting concluded, and later Trump announced on his Truth Social account that the planned joint press conference had been canceled.
Following the cancellation of the joint press conference and the agreement signing ceremony, Zelensky left the White House.