US President Donald Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Zelenskyy expressed readiness to negotiate with Russia and sign a deal on rare earth minerals.
In his address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump quoted the letter, saying, “‘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.’” He also quoted Zelenskyy’s message: “‘My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.’”
Trump added that Zelenskyy also indicated his willingness to sign a rare earth mineral deal with the United States. However, Ukraine has not yet commented on the letter.
The US President also mentioned “serious discussions” with Russia, stating that he had received “strong signals” suggesting Russia is ready for peace. Trump called for negotiations on both sides, adding, “It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy described his recent confrontation with the White House as “regrettable,” following the US announcement of a pause in military aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy remarked that it was “time to make things right” after Trump accused him of being unwilling to negotiate.
The clash between Trump and Zelenskyy also led to the cancellation of a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. After the dispute, Trump told the Ukrainian delegation, “Come back when you’re ready for peace.”