United States President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia and finalise a mineral resources deal with the United States, just days after a tense White House meeting.
Speaking before the US Congress, Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Zelensky, in which the Ukrainian leader stated Kyiv’s readiness to negotiate with Moscow.
“I received an important letter from President Zelensky of Ukraine.
“The letter reads, ‘Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians,’” Trump told the lawmakers.
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Zelensky also affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to working under Trump’s leadership to secure a lasting peace. “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,” Trump quoted the letter as saying.
The remarks followed a dramatic encounter between Trump and Zelensky at the White House last Friday, during which Vice President JD Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude for U. military aid. Trump himself criticised Zelensky, arguing that he had no bargaining leverage in negotiations.
The meeting ended without Zelensky signing an agreement that would give the US control over Ukrainian mineral resources, a key demand from the Trump administration. Following the failed negotiations, Washington announced the suspension of all military assistance to Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since Moscow’s invasion three years ago.
Despite the tensions, Trump on Tuesday suggested that Kyiv was now ready to move forward with the deal.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you,” he told Congress.
Trump also claimed progress in potential peace negotiations, stating that the US had received “strong signals” from Moscow indicating a willingness to end hostilities.
“Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he remarked.
Zelensky, for his part, had earlier in the day sought to mend relations with the Trump administration, saying he wanted to “make things right” after Friday’s clash.
