After White House clash: Trump's conditions for Ukraine and Europe's aid plan

Contents

• Dispute in the White House: Trump wants an apology from Zelenskyy
• Pause in aid and intelligence: Consequences and conditions for resumption
• Minerals agreement: Will it be signed or not?
• Zelenskyy's statements and appeal to Trump, initiative for a truce in the sky
• Starmer and the 'olive branch,' Macron’s role, and Europe’s peace plan
• Will Zelenskyy travel to Trump again?

Dispute in the White House: Trump wants an apology from Zelenskyy

The United States has been the largest donor of defense aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war. However, with Donald Trump's return to the presidency in January 2025, the new White House administration has changed its tone not only with the Ukrainian government but also with its European allies.

The deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Washington began in February when the American side initiated negotiations with Russia in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, without inviting Ukrainian representatives to the table.

The situation worsened even further after a heated public dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance last Friday in the Oval Office during the Ukrainian leader's visit to Washington.

During the argument, Vance accused Zelenskyy of being "not grateful enough to the US" for its aid to Ukraine, while Trump, in turn, claimed that the Ukrainian president was playing "World War III" and added that Kyiv "has no cards" to defeat Russia without continuous US support.

In response, Zelenskyy tried to explain to Trump that Ukraine continues to fight and remains strong. Yet, the meeting between the leaders was unsuccessful. After the clash, Trump consulted with his advisers in the Oval Office, after which Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian delegation were asked to leave the White House early. An agreement between Kyiv and Washington on mineral resources was not signed.

Later, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Zelenskyy was "not ready for peace" but "could return when he changes his mind." Several leaders sided with the Ukrainian president, expressing their support for him.

Meanwhile, Trump’s team began to push an apology from Zelenskyy as a prerequisite for resuming negotiations between Kyiv and Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who made such a call.

US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)

The Ukrainian president himself, who gave an interview to Fox News after he met with Trump, said that he respects the American leader, but avoided a direct answer to the question of whether he should apologize to him.

Pause in aid and intelligence: Consequences and conditions for resumption

A clear indicator that the crisis in relations has escalated was the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. According to The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, for Trump, "the last straw" in the dispute with Zelenskyy was the latter's statement that a deal to end the war was still far off.

By implementing this "pause," the White House leader, who advocates for an "immediate ceasefire," sought to demonstrate his serious intent to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table now. According to WSJ, all of Trump's advisers agreed with his decision.

Initially, leading Western media, citing high-ranking US officials, reported on the White House's decision, noting that it was not a "final cessation of aid, but a pause."

As Reuters reported, shipments of US military cargo halted on March 4 at around 03:30 AM Kyiv time. That same day, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that US aid deliveries to Ukraine from the Polish hub had been suspended.

Trump has frozen all American assistance to Ukraine that his predecessor, Joe Biden, had authorized. It includes weapons already in transit by planes and ships or awaiting transfer in transit zones in Poland. Among these are critical ammunition, hundreds of guided multiple-launch rocket systems, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment. Most crucially, however, the suspension affects air defense missiles, weakening the protection of Ukrainian cities.

Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Paweł Wroński said that the US president made this move without any prior information or consultations with NATO allies or the Ramstein group, which supports Ukraine in its fight.

Meanwhile, on the evening of March 4, Zelenskyy said in his video address that he had instructed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, intelligence chiefs, and diplomats to contact their partners in the US and get official information about American military aid.

Meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump on February 28, during which a clash sparked (Photo: Getty Images)

Official confirmation that US aid is on hold appeared yesterday. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that, by Trump's order, the US has suspended arms deliveries and sharing intelligence with Ukraine "in the fallout of meeting in the Oval Office."

Trump's national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated the condition under which Washington was ready to consider unfreezing aid. According to him, this is possible in case of progress in organizing peace negotiations and "confidence-building measures".

Regarding intelligence sharing, Western media reports varied on how broadly this cooperation between the two countries had been suspended. Initially, it was reported that this exchange had not been completely stopped and mainly concerned data necessary for attacks on Russian territory.

However, later, Sky News, citing sources, reported that the US had completely stopped providing intelligence to Kyiv. Meanwhile, The New York Times clarified that this included data on missile and drone launches from Russian territory and temporarily occupied regions. A correspondent for The Economist claimed that around 2:00 PM on March 5, the US cut off "the main source of information for air raid alerts."

According to Politico, the Ukrainian army received up to 80% of its intelligence from its allies, with the majority coming from the US. However, media outlets emphasize that this is not critically damaging since Ukraine's European allies also have reconnaissance capabilities, including surveillance aircraft and satellites. France announced today that it is ready to provide Ukraine with intelligence data.

Military expert and former deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ihor Romanenko, told RBC-Ukraine that the suspension of US intelligence sharing poses a "significant threat to Ukraine in a broad sense."

"This means we will have problems with targeting long-range weapons, such as strike drones. We operate at a range of 2,500 kilometers, which requires adjustments and constant updates. Unfortunately, we lack such capabilities. The French are trying to help us. But the Americans have set the condition that the intelligence they provide to allies must not be shared with Ukraine," Romanenko said.

The expert explained that this also applies to warnings about Russian attacks. For instance, Ukraine previously had intelligence data — both strategic and satellite — that allowed it to map out a large detection radius for threats, but now this radius is shrinking.

"A large (radius - ed.), for example, covering half of Ukraine or more. Now, that information is gone, and we are left with what remains. That means we rely on our own resources and data from other allies... For civilians, this means that reaction time, especially to ballistic threats, is reduced," Romanenko added, also suggesting that the US could potentially cut off Ukraine's access to Starlink satellite internet.

Minerals agreement: Will It be signed or not?

Following the argument at the White House on February 28, the signing of an agreement on mineral resources between Ukraine and the US at a formal event in the White House was disrupted.

The final framework document, which both American and Ukrainian representatives were supposed to sign, envisioned the creation of a joint Investment Fund and did not impose any specific obligations on Kyiv — something Trump had initially insisted on, particularly on the repayment of the so-called "debt" for US aid.

Although, after the dispute, the US president stated that he does not consider the agreement "dead," CBS News learned that the document's terms might still change, as Trump is now waiting for a "better deal."

Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, reported that the US and Ukraine were preparing to sign the agreement on March 4, and Trump wanted to announce it during his address to Congress, which took place on the night of March 5, Kyiv time. However, the signing did not happen.

Following these reports, White House correspondent for Fox News, Jacqui Heinrich, cited US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stating that "no signing is planned."

The Ukrainian side continues to insist on its readiness to sign the agreement with the US. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal recently said that Kyiv is awaiting feedback from the US at a diplomatic level.

Meanwhile, Trump's team claims that negotiations on the Ukraine deal are ongoing "in real-time." US presidential advisor Waltz said that Kyiv and Washington have already discussed a date and location for negotiations.

According to official statements, this topic was discussed, in particular, by the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, with Waltz and US Congressman and Trump ally Brian Fitzpatrick.

Zelenskyy's statements and appeal to Trump, initiative for a truce in the sky

Following news of the US pausing its aid, Ukraine's president published a post on X, expressing his regret over the argument at the White House and emphasizing Ukraine's desire for continued constructive cooperation with the US.

He expressed readiness to "work quickly to end the war," proposing a phased plan that includes the release of prisoners of war and an immediate truce in the sky. The latter involves a ban on long-range missile and drone strikes as well as bombings of energy and other civilian infrastructure.

One of the proposed steps is also an immediate ceasefire at sea. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine wants to quickly move through all subsequent stages and, together with the US, negotiate a strong final agreement. He also reiterated that Ukraine remains willing to sign the minerals agreement with the US.

"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 President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts," Zelenskyy said in his post on March 4.

In response, Trump "appreciated" Zelenskyy for his statement. During his address to the US Congress, the American president mentioned an "important letter" from the Ukrainian leader.

"I received an important letter from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. In it, he said that Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiating table and bring about a strong peace as soon as possible," Trump said.

Later, Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, clarified what letter Trump was referring to. According to her, it was the same post made by Ukraine’s president on X, in which he proposed the truce in the sky, expressed gratitude to the US, and reaffirmed readiness to sign the agreement with the American side "at any time and in any convenient format."

Starmer and the 'olive branch,' Macron’s role, and Europe’s peace plan

A day after the argument at the White House, Ukraine's president visited London, where a summit of European leaders was held, organized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

According to The Telegraph, Starmer spoke with Zelenskyy after the events in the Oval Office and convinced him to offer Trump an "olive branch" (a term in modern diplomacy signifying an effort toward peace negotiations and conflict resolution).

During their conversation, Starmer conveyed "harsh truths" to Zelenskyy and advised him on what Trump needed to hear for negotiations to return to a normal state. Allegedly, he pressured the Ukrainian president to support the US leader's peace plan and the minerals agreement.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Brussels with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa (photo: Getty Images)

As The Telegraph notes, Zelensky "relented" and published this exact post on X, stating that his meeting with Trump "did not go the way it was supposed to be" and that "it is time to make things right."

At the London summit held on March 2, Starmer said that his country, France, and possibly several other participants would work with Ukraine on a ceasefire plan, which would later be presented to the United States.

According to French President Emmanuel Macron, who also attended the summit and met with Zelenskyy and Starmer, the plan includes a limited "truce in the air, at sea, and in energy infrastructure" for one month.

Later, reports emerged from the UK's Deputy Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, who said that London and Paris had not yet agreed on this proposal. Yet, "various options are on the table."

Today, March 6, European leaders have gathered for a summit in Brussels, convened by European Council President António Costa. President Zelenskyy is participating in the summit. The participants are expected to discuss Ukrainian and European security.

EU leaders may discuss the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. France and Britain have stated their readiness to send troops, but European partners are expected to discuss the EU’s potential role if allies reach a consensus on the contingent. They insist that missions can only be deployed on Ukrainian territory if peace is achieved and with US support.

As this summit is urgent, it is expected to establish some frameworks — decisions that will need further clarification. The event is taking place amid pressure not only on Ukraine but also on Europe, said Oleksandr Leonov, Executive Director of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.

"And yesterday’s emergency speech by French President Macron sets a certain tone on the need for Europe’s defense autonomy and France’s role in ensuring it. And I believe that the main topic will not only be assistance to Ukraine," the expert said.

Europe is also working on its own rearmament. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the rearm Europe plan, involving €800 billion, which evidently includes support for Ukraine.

"Mertz also voiced the idea of creating a new bloc in Europe. And I think this is the most promising idea. Since the Alliance is effectively blocked by the positions of the US, Hungary, and Slovakia, creating a new bloc in Europe could be the way for quick decision-making, clear discussions on necessary actions, and a reset of the security space, avoiding mistakes made in NATO’s functioning," Leonov explained.

Therefore, he does not rule out that this summit could both establish certain frameworks and "be a breakthrough if agreements are reached on important matters such as Europe's defense without reliance on the US."

Since Trump’s speech in the US Congress indicated that he has no concrete plan for ending the war in Ukraine, Europe’s and, in particular, Ukraine’s vision of how to cease hostilities is an important step, the expert believes.

"This will demonstrate that it is Russia that does not want to cease fire, while Trump prioritizes ending the conflict. And that is why it is crucial that all these positions be reflected in the summit’s decisions today," Leonov added.

Will Zelenskyy travel to Trump again?

Yesterday, the British Daily Mail, citing diplomatic sources, reported that Macron and Starmer were allegedly ready to travel to Washington with Zelenskyy as early as next week. They supposedly intend to accompany the Ukrainian president to present a ceasefire plan to Trump "as a united front."

The media specified that the joint trip of the British, French, and Ukrainian leaders to the US could take place as soon as next week. However, on March 5, the Élysée Palace stated that the French president "at this stage" does not plan a repeat trip to Washington.

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keith Starmer during a meeting in London on March 2 (photo: Getty Images)

The press service of the French head of state denied information previously spread that same day by French government spokesperson Sophie Primas, who had said that Macron’s trip to the US capital alongside the Ukrainian president and the British prime minister was "planned" and could take place "in the near future."

Despite an unprecedented level of diplomatic activity in recent days — bilateral and multilateral negotiations and summits — none of the participants in these processes seem to have a clear vision of how the war in Ukraine should end or even an understanding of how to navigate the current Uskraine-Europe-US confrontation.

Sources: statements from US President Donald Trump and his administration, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Sky News, Politico, Fox News, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, as well as exclusive comments from military expert and former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ihor Romanenko and Penta Center Executive Director Oleksandr Leonov.