Ukraine-U.S. talks: what new step was announced by Zelensky and what Washington says
5 March 20:21
A meeting of the Ukrainian and US teams to develop a new version of the agreement that will suit both sides will take place in the near future. The head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said this on March 5, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“I had a telephone conversation with the US National Security Advisor Michael Volz. We discussed further steps towards a just and lasting peace. We agreed to meet our teams in the near future to continue this important work,” Yermak wrote on his Telegram channel.
The head of the OP added that he also discussed with his interlocutor security issues and the coordination of positions within the framework of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.
Bilateral agreement between Washington and Kyiv: what did Zelenskyy say?
On Wednesday, March 5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Ukrainian and US teams had begun working on a future meeting.
“Andriy Yermak and Mark Waltz spoke, there is a positive movement. We hope for the first results next week,” Zelensky said in his video address.
Negotiations between Ukraine and the United States: the American side’s view
The United States is ready to resume arms supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine when a date is set for peace talks with Russia. This condition was voiced by Mike Waltz, the US National Security Advisor.
“We have taken a step back, stopped and are reviewing all aspects of this relationship. We’re having a good conversation about the venue for the next round of talks, the delegations, the date, in fact,” Waltz said.
Kyiv-Washington talks: what you need to know about them
At the beginning of 2025, diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine experienced significant turbulence, accompanied by controversial negotiations, the suspension of military aid, and renewed efforts toward peace talks. These developments have affected not only bilateral ties but also the broader geopolitical landscape, including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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The February 28 meeting: a turning point
on February 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The agenda included a discussion of a proposed agreement on mining rights and a strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia. However, the meeting turned into an emotional dispute, which led to the Ukrainian delegation’s quick departure from Washington and the cancellation of the planned agreements. Experts point out that disagreements over security guarantees and the terms of the mining deal were the main reasons for the disagreement.
Suspension of military assistance and intelligence sharing
After the failed meeting, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite suspension of all US military assistance to Ukraine, citing concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process. The suspension covered more than $1 billion worth of arms and ammunition, including advanced defense systems that are critical to Ukraine’s military operations. In addition, the US stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv, further weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction and renewed peace initiatives
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the failed meeting, calling it “regrettable” and reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks. He emphasized the urgency of achieving a lasting and just peace and expressed his readiness to work to this end under President Trump’s leadership. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign an agreement on mining rights, viewing it as a step toward strengthening security and economic stability.
International reaction and European engagement
The suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine has provoked a mixed international reaction. European leaders expressed concern about the potential consequences for regional security and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was criticized for proposing to relax debt rules to increase defense spending, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency among European countries. European Union officials are also planning to discuss proposals for defense spending to strengthen regional security in light of the change in US policy.
Prospects for resumption of aid and future negotiations
The U.S. administration has indicated that the suspension of aid and intelligence sharing could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace talks. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of private discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials to facilitate meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution. He suggested that such engagement could lead to the resumption of military assistance and the formalization of an agreement on mineral rights.
