Trump Says Zelensky Now Open to Peace Talks, Mineral Deal
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed a willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia and finalize a mineral resources deal with the United States, just days after a tense meeting at the White House.
While addressing the U.S. Congress, Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Zelensky in which the Ukrainian president confirmed Kyiv’s readiness to negotiate with Moscow.
“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,’” Trump shared with lawmakers.
The letter also included Zelensky’s commitment to working with Trump to secure a long-lasting peace. “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve lasting peace. We truly appreciate how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,” Trump quoted the letter as saying.
The announcement came after a dramatic meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the White House last Friday, where Vice President JD Vance criticized the Ukrainian leader for showing ingratitude toward U.S. military aid. Trump himself also criticized Zelensky, stating that the Ukrainian president lacked bargaining leverage in the negotiations. The meeting ended without Zelensky signing a deal that would grant the U.S. control over Ukrainian mineral resources, a significant demand from the Trump administration. In response, Washington suspended all military aid to Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since Moscow’s invasion three years ago.
Despite the tension, Trump indicated on Tuesday that Kyiv was now ready to move forward with the mineral resources deal.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you,” Trump told Congress.
Trump also pointed to progress in peace negotiations, claiming that Moscow had sent “strong signals” indicating its willingness to end the conflict.
“Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he added.
Earlier in the day, Zelensky attempted to repair relations with the Trump administration, expressing his desire to “make things right” following the clash last Friday.
