President Donald Trump announced during his joint address to Congress that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to negotiate toward peace and sign a mineral deal with the United States.
He revealed the major news by reading a letter he received from the Ukrainian president shortly before his address Tuesday.
“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 said.
Per Trump, the letter continues:
My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.
Trump expressed his gratitude to Zelensky for the letter.
“I appreciate that he sent this letter, just got it a little while ago,” he noted.
It comes days after they were anticipated to announce an agreement on the mineral deal on Friday at the White House.
However, neither Trump nor Vice President