President Donald Trump announced that he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing Ukraine’s willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump quoted passages in which Zelenskyy declared that “nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians” and conveyed readiness to “come to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”
Trump celebrated the potential breakthrough by adding that he had “received strong signals” from Russia indicating their openness to peace talks.
“Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” Trump said to loud applause. “It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to halt the killing. It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”
In addition to outlining the desire for negotiations, Zelenskyy’s letter mentioned Ukraine’s readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States.
Specifics of such an agreement remain unclear, but it could signal a further strengthening of economic ties between Washington and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s move comes shortly after a tense White House meeting last week.
During the meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance scolded the Ukrainian leader for what they perceived as insufficient gratitude for U.S. support.
Calling that clash “regrettable,” Zelenskyy has since expressed hope for smoother cooperation with the Trump administration going forward.
In a recent statement, he proposed a series of “first stages” for peace, including prisoner releases by both sides, a “truce in the sky” banning missiles and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, and a potential “truce in the sea.”
Trump’s decision to pause U.S. assistance to Ukraine in the wake of the White House dispute has put added pressure on America’s European allies.
Britain and France have indicated they could provide troops to safeguard any potential cease-fire, while Germany has proposed a significant boost in defense spending.
The European Union is likewise convening an emergency summit to consider new measures for collective security.
As Washington watches these developments closely, the stage is set for crucial dialogue that may bring both Ukraine and Russia closer to an agreement, with the Trump administration playing a central role in shaping the path forward.