US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his country’s readiness to enter negotiations with Russia and finalize a US minerals deal, following a dramatic White House clash just days ago.
“President Zelensky sent an important letter stating, ‘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 said during an address to Congress. He added that Zelensky emphasized his commitment to work under what he called Trump’s “strong leadership” to achieve a lasting peace.
The comments come after a tense meeting in the Oval Office last Friday, where Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for US assistance, and Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader for lacking “cards” to play. The clash led to Zelensky leaving without signing an agreement that would have secured US control over Ukrainian mineral resources.
Addressing a joint session of Congress—where many Democratic lawmakers displayed US and Ukrainian flags—Trump stated, “Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.” He also mentioned that discussions with Russia have produced strong signals of their willingness for peace. “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he concluded.
While the proposal remains highly contentious, Trump’s remarks suggest that breakthroughs in both peace talks and the minerals deal may be on the horizon if all parties can come together.
