House FloorCast
Zelensky, who has encountered significant criticism from the new US administration, expressed his desire to meet with Donald Trump prior to the US president’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been advocating for Ukraine’s NATO membership to be included in any agreement aimed at concluding the conflict; however, the alliance, led by Washington, has shown hesitance in making such a commitment.
“If achieving peace for Ukraine necessitates my resignation, I am prepared to make that sacrifice… I can trade it for NATO,” Zelensky stated during a news conference in Kyiv.
The exchange of words between Zelensky and Trump has intensified following the recent high-level discussions between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, marking their first meeting in three years. This development has undermined the Western strategy of isolating the Kremlin and has provoked anger among Ukrainian and European leaders who were not part of the discussions.
In a series of verbal assaults over the past week, Trump has labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and inaccurately asserted that Ukraine “initiated” the war. He also claimed, contrary to independent polling data, that Zelensky lacks popularity in his own country. In response, Zelensky stated that he was not “offended” by Trump’s remarks and expressed his willingness to gauge his popularity in elections once martial law is lifted in Ukraine.
Zelensky remarked to journalists that an individual would likely take offense at being labeled a “dictator” if they indeed held that title. He expressed a strong desire for mutual understanding with Trump, emphasizing the necessity of “security guarantees” from the U.S. president. The Ukrainian leader also urged Trump to engage in discussions with him prior to any summit with Putin, noting that there had been advancements regarding a potential agreement that would grant the United States preferential access to Ukraine’s vital resources.
Earlier, the Kremlin characterized the dialogue between Trump and Vladimir Putin—whom spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to as two “extraordinary” leaders—as “promising.” Peskov stated on state television that it is crucial for nothing to hinder the realization of the political intentions of both heads of state.
Despite Zelensky’s advocacy for sustained security support and Trump’s emphasis on a peace agreement, it remains uncertain whether U.S. actions can facilitate a rapprochement between Moscow and Kyiv. Peskov dismissed the possibility of any territorial concessions in a settlement, and Moscow has consistently opposed NATO membership for Ukraine.
Peskov stated that the decision to join Russia was made by the people a considerable time ago, referencing the Moscow-organized referendums in eastern Ukraine that were conducted during the military offensive and were deemed illegitimate by Kyiv, Western nations, and international observers. He emphasized that these territories would never be relinquished, underscoring its significance.
On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for a peace agreement in Ukraine that honors the nation’s “territorial integrity.”
In remarks made on the eve of the anniversary of his “special military operation” in Ukraine, Putin asserted that “God” supports his “mission” to protect Russia. He expressed, “Fate has determined this, God has willed it, if I may say so. A mission that is both challenging and honorable—defending Russia—has been entrusted to us and to you together,” addressing the servicemen who have participated in the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Kyiv’s air force, Moscow’s military launched a record 267 attack drones against Ukraine overnight. Almost all of these drones were shot down or intercepted, with no significant damage reported. As Russian forces make progress on the battlefield and continue extensive aerial assaults, the country has taken pleasure in the diplomatic tensions between Trump and Zelensky.
Zelensky has made inappropriate comments directed at the head of state on multiple occasions, according to Peskov. “No president would accept such treatment, making Trump’s response entirely justifiable.” The Russian news agency TASS has reported that diplomats from the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet next week, following discussions in Riyadh between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to visit Washington this week to advocate for continued support for Ukraine. In Brussels, European Council President Antonio Costa announced a special summit focused on the Ukraine conflict, scheduled for March 6. “We are at a pivotal moment for Ukraine and European security,” Costa stated in a post on X.
