Trump says he received letter from Zelenskyy expressing Ukraine's readiness for negotiations
'The letter reads, Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible,' president says during his address to Congress
WASHINGTON
US President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing Kyiv's readiness to come to the negotiating table in pursuit of “lasting peace.”
During his Congress address, US President Trump said he received a letter from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, which he said conveyed Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate for lasting peace pic.twitter.com/ILtYrZoYKU
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“The letter reads, Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” Trump said as he delivered his first joint address to Congress since returning to office. “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,” Zelenskyy wrote, according to Trump. “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty.”
Trump also highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to sign an agreement on minerals and security.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you,” Trump quoted Zelenskyy as saying.
The president also noted that simultaneous discussions with Russia have shown signs of a readiness for peace talks.
"Simultaneously, we've had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace," Trump added. "Wouldn't that be beautiful?"
The Ukrainian side did not immediately confirm the letter.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy expressed regret over a contentious meeting last week at the White House, saying that it had not gone as planned.
On X, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to begin negotiations with Russia as soon as possible to resolve the conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022.
"Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, 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,” he wrote. “We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.”
