President Donald Trump also said he had “received a strong signal” from Russia that he was ready for peace.
President Donald Trump said in March. 4After he received a letter from Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelenki, he expressed his willingness to negotiate the ongoing Russian-Ukrain War.
Trump made clear what he described as an important letter from the Ukrainian leader in his speech to Congress.
Trump said Zelensky also wrote that Ukraine was ready to sign a mineral trade with the United States.
He gave no further details about the mineral trade.
Elsewhere in his speech to Congress, Trump said he was in serious discussion with Russia and “has received a strong signal that they are ready for peace.”
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“Isn’t that beautiful?” he said to send a loud applause from lawmakers. “It’s time to stop this insanity. It’s time to stop the murder. It’s time to end this pointless war. If you want to end the war, you have to talk to both sides.”
Zelenki’s letter to Trump said he was ready to sign a deal on Ukrainian minerals “anytime, in a convenient format” after Ukrainian leaders said they wanted to “get things right” on March 4th, and were ready to hold peace talks.
Zelenskyy says “I’m sorry” in the White House clash
The Ukrainian leader also proposed an “empty ceasefire” that immediately bans missiles, long-range drones, energy and other civilian infrastructure strikes. He said the initial deal could also include a “sea ceasefire.”
“We then want to work with the US to move through all the next stages very quickly and agree to a strong final deal,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelensky also said last week’s clash with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House, during which he scolded him inadequately, but was disappointed.
“Our meeting in Washington on Friday at the White House wasn’t exactly what it should have been. It’s a shame that it happened in this way. It’s time to get things right. I hope that future cooperation and communication will be constructive,” writes Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy’s comments came hours after Trump ordered a suspension of US aid to a war-torn country.
This pause puts more pressure on European allies who have publicly embraced Zelensky since the elliptical offices collided.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer (L) will greet the Ukrainian President Voldy Zelensky tribe on Downing Street, London on March 1, 2025. Kin Cheung/AP Photo
The UK and France visited the White House last week, offering their troops to protect a potential ceasefire. Meanwhile, German conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans to establish a fund of 500 billion euros ($53.1 billion) on March 4 to strengthen defence spending.
The European Commission’s Ursula von der Reyen has revealed a proposal to mobilize up to 800 billion euros for European Union defense spending.
The 27-national blocs are holding an emergency summit on March 6th.
Reuters contributed to this report.
