Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had written a letter to him to say he appreciates U.S. support for his nation in its fight with Russia and is willing to sign an agreement that could ensure future U.S. support.
Trump in a speech to Congress, expressed Zelenskyy had told him that Kyiv is ready to negotiate a peace agreement with Moscow as soon as possible and would accept a critical minerals deal with the U.S. to facilitate that.
Is Ukraine ready to negotiate peace with Russia?
“Earlier today, I received an important letter from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine,”
Trump said. Trump expressed that Zelenskyy told him that
“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.”
“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,”
Trump mentioned Zelenskyy as writing.
“We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.”
Trump also said that Zelenskyy said he was ready to sign the minerals agreement
“at any time that is convenient for you.”
Although Trump stated he
“appreciated”
getting the letter, he did not state if it would impact his policy toward Ukraine.
How is Zelenskyy eager to repair ties with Trump?
A day earlier, Zelenskyy pledged to repair ties with the U.S. after what he characterised as a “regrettable” Oval Office squabble with Trump last week. He stated he wanted to
“make things right”
and was prepared
“any time and in any convenient format”
to inscribe the minerals deal.
“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,”
He said.
“We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,”
Zelenskyy wrote.
“Our meeting in Washington … did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right.”
Zelenskyy also outlined a pathway towards a peace deal, which he said could start with a release of prisoners and a break to air and sea attacks, if Russia did the same.
“Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the U.S. to agree a strong final deal.”
