Zelensky expects Ukraine-U.S. talks next week, report: Trump is ready to conditionally finalize the Ukraine-U.S. mineral agreement

According to CCTV News, on March 6 local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in Brussels, Belgium, that the Ukrainian and U.S. teams have resumed work and a meaningful meeting is expected to be held next week. According to CCTV News, on March 6 local time, CCTV reporters learned that informed sources indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump is ready to finalize the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, provided that the Ukrainian leaders agree to a feasible ceasefire approach and engage in talks with Russia. Following the news, oil prices fell. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks continued to decline throughout the day. The Nasdaq 100 index dropped 2.27% during the day, hitting a new daily low, the S&P 500 index fell 1.59%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.96%, Tesla dropped 5.3%, and Nvidia fell 4.3%. Previously, on February 28, President Zelensky visited the White House and met with Trump, where the two had a heated argument and did not sign an agreement for Ukraine to grant the U.S. mining rights to its mineral resources. U.S. media reported on the 3rd that Trump has ordered a suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. On the 4th, Zelensky expressed regret over everything that happened during his meeting with Trump at the White House, stating that Ukraine is willing to sign the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement at any time and in any convenient manner. On the 5th of this month, CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that the U.S. has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This move is intended to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cooperate with U.S. President Trump and engage in peace talks with Russia. On the same day, Ukraine indicated plans to hold new talks with the U.S. Regarding the U.S. suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, according to CCTV News, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated on March 6 local time that Ukraine has not yet received detailed information from the United States regarding restrictions on intelligence data exchange, but Ukraine is exploring alternatives. Zelensky Meets with EU Leaders According to CCTV News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media on the 6th that he met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss strengthening Ukraine's and Europe's defense capabilities, including providing weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, enhancing Ukraine's defense industry, negotiations for Ukraine's EU membership, and the necessity of increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Zelensky emphasized his gratitude to the EU for enhancing European defense capabilities and strengthening support for Ukraine, which made him feel that "Ukraine is not alone." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also posted on social media that day, reiterating her support for Zelensky and for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. She stated that through the "Rearming Europe" initiative, the EU will accelerate the delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. Von der Leyen previously stated that she would propose the "Rearming Europe" plan at the upcoming special EU summit, aiming to mobilize €800 billion to create "a secure and resilient Europe." She emphasized that the plan addresses the "urgent needs" of the Ukraine crisis and aims to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy, "ending excessive reliance on the United States." According to CCTV News, on March 6 local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on his official social media platform that he met with French President Emmanuel Macron during the European Council meeting held in Brussels, Belgium. The two discussed the upcoming meeting on March 11, which will involve military representatives from various countries, and coordinated their positions and next steps. Zelensky stated that based on interactions among Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, true and lasting peace is possible, and the war must end as soon as possible In addition, Zelensky also stated that he proposed primary measures to achieve peace at the special meeting of the European Council and called for support from partners. He emphasized that the stability and security of the entire Europe depend on the actions of everyone. According to CCTV News, German Defense Minister Pistorius met with visiting Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov in Berlin on the afternoon of the 6th local time. He expressed hope to replace the aid to the Ukrainian military that was suspended by U.S. President Trump as much as possible through assistance from international partners. At the same time, exploratory negotiations with the European Union will also include an additional aid plan worth 3 billion euros. If financing is successful, it may be possible to deliver more air defense systems to Ukraine. EU leaders agree to further support Ukraine, except Hungary According to CCTV News, on March 6th local time, the European Council announced the statement on European defense reached by various countries at the special summit held that day. Regarding the proposal for European countries to significantly increase defense spending, the leaders of the member states unanimously expressed support, stating that they should "accelerate the mobilization of necessary means and funds to strengthen the security of the EU and protect EU citizens." The statement also called on the European Commission to "propose additional sources of defense funding at the EU level, including providing additional possibilities and incentives to all member states." The European Council emphasized that Europe must respond more responsibly to its own defense and better autonomously address current and future challenges and threats. According to sources, the leaders of EU member states reached an agreement on further supporting Ukraine at the special summit held in Brussels on the 6th. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban refused to join the agreement, a decision supported by 26 of the 27 member states. The 26 member states emphasized in the conclusion text: negotiations cannot take place without Ukraine's participation; Europe must have a seat at the negotiating table; a ceasefire must be a prerequisite for a long-term agreement; Ukraine must receive security guarantees; and its territorial integrity must be respected The conclusion text also mentioned the EU's determination to strengthen financial and military support for Ukraine. Due to Orbán's opposition, the agreement was not included in the official written conclusions of the summit that day, but was attached as a separate document. Putin: Russia will not yield to anyone on the Ukraine issue According to CCTV News, Russian President Putin stated on the 6th local time that Russia will not yield to anyone on the Ukraine issue. According to information released on the Russian presidential website on the 6th, Putin said during a meeting with representatives of the families of participants in the special military operation that Russia must choose a peace plan that is acceptable to itself and ensures the future security of Russia regarding the Ukraine issue. Putin emphasized that Russia "does not need anything from others, but will not give up what belongs to it." Russia needs a "plan that ensures the stable development of the country under conditions of peace and security."