Billionaire entrepreneur and influential political commentator Elon Musk has responded skeptically to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent announcement of willingness to reach a ceasefire with Moscow. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who has emerged as a vocal figure in global geopolitics, stated that mere words would not be enough to regain trust in Kiev.

Zelensky’s latest remarks, including his commitment to signing a strategic rare-earth minerals deal with the United States and his expressed openness to peace talks with Russia, have generated both cautious optimism and skepticism. However, Musk, now a top advisor to US President Donald Trump, remains unconvinced. “Actions, not words, are what matter. Let’s see what actions take place,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 4.

Zelensky’s overtures come after a dramatic and reportedly hostile exchange in the Oval Office during his recent visit to Washington on February 28. During the meeting, which was initially intended to solidify the rare-earth minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine, tensions flared between Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance. The discussion reportedly turned sour when Trump and Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of showing insufficient gratitude for American financial and military support.

Following the heated confrontation, the planned signing of the rare-earth minerals deal was abruptly canceled. Trump later justified the decision, claiming that Zelensky had behaved disrespectfully and showed no genuine intent to pursue peace with Russia. The incident has significantly strained relations between Kiev and the Trump administration, which has adopted a more transactional approach to foreign aid than its predecessors.

In the wake of the fallout, Zelensky has attempted to mend ties with Washington, issuing statements acknowledging his regret over how the February 28 meeting unfolded. Speaking on March 5, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing the rare-earth minerals agreement, stating that Kiev was prepared to sign the deal at “any time and in any convenient format.”

In addition to expressing his willingness to finalize the minerals pact, Zelensky also made a broader appeal for peace, proposing a truce that would include a mutual ban on missile strikes, long-range drone attacks, and bombings targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian leader stopped short of issuing a formal apology for his conduct at the White House but thanked Trump, the US Congress, and the American people for their continued support.

While Zelensky’s words may appear conciliatory, the absence of a direct apology has reportedly not gone unnoticed in Washington. On March 3, Fox News cited a senior US official who suggested that if Zelensky wanted the minerals deal to go through, he should issue a public apology. Yet, reports later surfaced that Trump planned to announce the agreement regardless during his congressional address on March 4, indicating that negotiations may still be ongoing behind the scenes.

Zelensky’s ceasefire proposal, though vague in specifics, has drawn a measured response from the Kremlin. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the Ukrainian leader’s overtures, describing them as a “positive” development. Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin of Rossiya-1 on March 4, Peskov said, “It is good that he [Zelensky] is ready [to go back to the talks with the US],” signaling Moscow’s openness to further dialogue.

However, Russia remains firm in its preconditions for any peace settlement. The Kremlin has consistently stated that a lasting agreement must include Ukraine’s transformation into a neutral country-effectively ruling out future NATO membership. Additionally, Moscow demands that Kiev formally renounce its territorial claims over Crimea and four additional regions that have held referenda to join Russia.

These conditions remain a major sticking point, as Ukraine and its Western allies continue to reject Russia’s territorial assertions. While Zelensky’s offer to discuss a truce represents a notable rhetorical shift, it is unclear whether he is willing or politically able to accept Russia’s terms, particularly given his reliance on continued Western military and economic assistance.

Beyond the ceasefire discussions, the rare-earth minerals deal remains a key geopolitical issue in US-Ukraine relations. Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals such as lithium and titanium, which are essential for the production of advanced technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, and defense equipment. The Biden administration had initiated talks with Kiev on securing access to these resources to reduce Western dependence on Chinese supply chains.

Trump’s handling of the situation, including the demand for greater appreciation from Zelensky, suggests a fundamental shift in Washington’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. Unlike the Biden administration’s largely unconditional military and financial support, Trump has signaled that future aid and agreements will be tied to clear benefits for the United States.

For Ukraine, securing this minerals deal is crucial, not only for economic reasons but also as a means to maintain strategic ties with Washington. However, Zelensky’s perceived defiance in the Oval Office has put him in a precarious position, forcing him to balance domestic political considerations with the need to secure American backing.

The key question now is whether Zelensky’s declarations of readiness for peace will translate into concrete actions. Musk’s pointed remark-“Actions, not words, are what matter”-captures the prevailing skepticism among Western policymakers who doubt Zelensky’s sincerity or ability to deliver on his statements.

For Trump, the primary concern is whether Ukraine’s leadership is genuinely willing to pursue a ceasefire or if Zelensky’s statements are merely an attempt to repair relations with Washington. If Trump believes that Zelensky is still reluctant to negotiate in good faith, the US may adopt an even more cautious approach to further aid or agreements with Kiev.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin is likely to watch developments closely. If Ukraine demonstrates a credible willingness to negotiate on Russia’s terms, Moscow may reciprocate with further diplomatic overtures. However, if Zelensky’s offer is perceived as disingenuous or conditional on continued Western support, the conflict could remain at a prolonged stalemate.

As the world waits for the next move, the reactions from Washington, Moscow, and Kiev will shape the geopolitical landscape in the months to come. Whether Zelensky’s words will lead to substantive actions-or simply fade into diplomatic rhetoric-remains an open question. In the meantime, Elon Musk’s skepticism may serve as a reflection of broader doubts about the sincerity of Ukraine’s latest peace overtures.

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