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Zelensky Ready for Peace Talks, U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal, Says Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to engage in peace talks with Russia and finalize a U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, just days after a tense exchange between the two leaders.
Speaking before Congress, Trump read excerpts from a letter he claimed to have received from Zelensky.
“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 quoted Zelensky as saying.
He added that Zelensky’s letter also expressed appreciation for U.S. support, stating, “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.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelensky had sought to mend relations with Trump following a heated confrontation at the White House last Friday.
During that meeting, Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. assistance, while Trump bluntly told the Ukrainian leader that he lacked negotiating leverage against Russia.
Zelensky ultimately left Washington without signing a deal pushed by Trump that would give the United States access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Read also: Zelensky Accuses US of Trying to ‘Please’ Putin in Peace Talks
In response, the Trump administration later announced the suspension of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since 2022.
Addressing lawmakers, many of whom wore U.S. and Ukrainian flags Trump claimed Zelensky was now willing to move forward on both peace negotiations and the minerals agreement.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you,” Trump told Congress.
The president also suggested that discussions with Russia were advancing positively.
“We’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace,” Trump said. “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
