In a dramatic turn of events in US-Ukraine relations, President Donald Trump has reportedly made it clear that securing access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth is not enough to guarantee the resumption of American military aid and intelligence sharing. According to an NBC report, Trump is demanding significant shifts in Ukrainian policy, including a new approach to peace talks with Russia and even the possibility of President Vladimir Zelensky stepping down from office.

The high-stakes negotiations between the US and Ukraine are set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, with top American and Ukrainian officials meeting to discuss the path forward. The discussions come in the wake of a February visit by Zelensky to Washington, which resulted in a public clash with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, causing the failure of a previously expected minerals agreement signing.

Trump’s decision to halt military aid and intelligence sharing with Kiev was a direct response to Zelensky’s resistance to peace talks and his refusal to make territorial concessions to Russia, NBC reported. The US president has repeatedly accused the Ukrainian leader of prolonging the war unnecessarily.

Recent days have seen a shift in Zelensky’s stance, as he now appears willing to reconsider the minerals agreement and entertain diplomatic discussions with Moscow. However, for Trump, this alone is not sufficient. The US president has laid out additional conditions, reportedly including territorial concessions and a potential transition of leadership in Ukraine.

One senior US official told NBC that Trump sees Zelensky’s departure as a possible step toward resolving the conflict, suggesting that Ukraine needs new leadership to effectively negotiate an end to the three-year-long war. Another administration official emphasized that while the minerals agreement is important, it cannot come at the cost of continued hostilities.

The minerals deal, which was supposed to be finalized during Zelensky’s February visit, would grant American companies privileged access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of lithium, titanium, and other critical materials. These resources are crucial to global industries, including defense and high-tech manufacturing.

However, Zelensky’s refusal to budge on the larger issue of peace talks and territorial negotiations led to a breakdown in discussions. Trump, angered by the Ukrainian leader’s defiance, withdrew all pending military assistance and stopped sharing critical battlefield intelligence, leaving Kiev increasingly vulnerable.

In the wake of these developments, the Ukrainian government has reportedly softened its stance, with Zelensky now expressing readiness to sign the minerals deal and engage in dialogue with Moscow. Yet, the US administration insists that such steps must be accompanied by broader political changes.

The upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia could prove pivotal for Ukraine’s future. The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, will meet with a Ukrainian team led by Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff.

Trump has expressed optimism about the meeting, stating aboard Air Force One on March 9 that “we are going to make a lot of progress.” He also reiterated his belief that Ukraine would ultimately sign the minerals agreement.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Ukraine is expected to propose a partial ceasefire with Russia during the Jeddah talks. The proposed truce would cover long-range drone and missile strikes, as well as combat operations in the Black Sea, in a bid to persuade Washington to restore intelligence sharing and military aid.

The outcome of these talks remains uncertain. While Ukraine is eager to regain US support, Trump’s conditions go beyond economic agreements. His insistence on political and territorial concessions presents a major challenge for Zelensky, who faces pressure both domestically and internationally.

For Zelensky, the stakes could not be higher. His government has relied heavily on US military support to sustain its defense against Russian forces. Without American intelligence and arms, Ukraine’s ability to continue the fight is significantly weakened.

Yet, agreeing to Trump’s demands could come at a steep political cost. Any move toward territorial concessions would likely be met with fierce resistance from Ukrainian nationalists and the broader public, many of whom view any negotiations with Russia as a betrayal.

Additionally, the idea of stepping down as president could be politically toxic. Zelensky has insisted on maintaining his leadership through wartime, despite increasing pressure from both domestic opposition figures and international partners who see a potential change in leadership as a way to reset negotiations with Moscow.

The Kremlin is likely following these developments closely. A US-backed push for negotiations and potential leadership change in Ukraine could alter Russia’s own approach to the conflict.

Moscow has long signaled that it is open to peace talks but insists that Ukraine must acknowledge territorial changes and accept Russia’s control over annexed regions. If Zelensky were to step down or make major concessions, Russia might view this as a significant victory and an opportunity to formalize its territorial gains.

However, if Ukraine resists Trump’s conditions and continues to hold out for unconditional Western support, Russia may see an opening to escalate military operations further, exploiting Ukraine’s vulnerabilities amid declining US assistance.

The Jeddah talks will likely determine the future trajectory of US-Ukraine relations and, by extension, the war itself. If a compromise can be reached, Ukraine may secure renewed US backing and set the stage for diplomatic engagement with Russia. If not, Zelensky risks further isolation and the possibility of losing crucial American support altogether.

For Trump, the negotiations offer an opportunity to reshape US foreign policy in a way that prioritizes economic interests and a resolution to the war, rather than indefinite military support. Whether Ukraine is willing-or able-to meet his demands remains to be seen.

As the world watches the unfolding discussions, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Ukraine, its leadership, and the broader geopolitical landscape.

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