The President of the United States, Donald Trump disclosed on Tuesday that Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky had told him Kyiv was ready for talks with Russia and the finalization of a US minerals deal, just days after a clash in the White House.
According to the letter which was read in Congress, Ukraine was ready for lasting peace and willing to come back for negotiations. Trump said:
“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,’
“He said, ‘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 added.
Zelensky said earlier Tuesday that he wanted to “make things right” with Trump after their jaw-dropping clash on Friday.
In the Oval Office, Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for US assistance and Trump berated the wartime leader as not having “cards” to play.
Zelensky left without signing an agreement pushed by Trump for the United States to secure control over Ukrainian mineral resources.
The Trump administration later said it was suspending all military assistance to Ukraine, which has been under Russian invasion for three years.
Addressing Congress, where many lawmakers of the rival Democratic Party wore US and Ukrainian flags on their lapel, Trump said, “Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.”
“I appreciate that he sent this letter. Just got it a little while ago,” Trump said.
“Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace,” he said.
“Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
Remember that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was allegedly to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, and for other economic reasons. The invasion by Russian forces has led to destruction with thousands losing their lives. However is a mineral deal the only solution to ending the war?
