US President Donald Trump says he is acquired a letter from Volodymyr Zelensky agreeing to “come to the negotiating desk” to strike a peace deal in Ukraine.
“I respect that he despatched this letter,” Trump stated as he addressed a joint session of Congress in Washington.
It got here after Zelensky stated in a social media put up that he was able to work below Trump’s “robust management” to realize an enduring peace.
The statements point out a cooling of tensions between the leaders following their fiery assembly within the Oval Workplace final week.
In his tackle to Congress, Trump stated he acquired an “necessary letter” from Zelensky on Tuesday, earlier than studying what he stated have been excerpts from it.
Elements of what he learn used exactly the identical language because the statement posted by Zelensky earlier on Tuesday.
“The letter reads Ukraine is able to come to the negotiating desk as quickly as doable to carry lasting peace nearer. No one needs peace greater than the Ukrainians,” Trump stated.
Persevering with to learn from what he stated was Zelensky’s letter, Trump stated: “My staff and I stand able to work below President Trump’s robust management to get a peace that lasts.”
Trump additionally stated Zelensky informed him he was able to sign a rare earth minerals deal with the US.
Ukraine is but to touch upon the letter.
The US president additionally stated there had been “severe discussions” with Russia, and he’d “acquired robust indicators that they’re prepared for peace”.
Trump didn’t point out when the talks befell, or whether or not he was personally concerned in them.
“It is time to finish this mindless battle. If you wish to finish wars, you must speak to either side,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelensky described the White Home showdown with Trump as “regrettable” within the wake of the US asserting a pause in army support to Kyiv.
Zelensky stated “it was time to make issues proper”, after Trump had accused him of not being prepared to return to the negotiating desk.
The Ukrainian chief additionally outlined the primary levels of how the battle could possibly be ended.
The Oval Workplace assembly between Zelensky and US officers final week was as a result of conclude with the 2 events signing a deal that will grant the US entry to uncommon earth minerals in Ukraine.
After the conflict, which noticed Trump accuse Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three”, the Ukrainian delegation left with out signing the deal. Trump informed Zelensky: “Come again while you’re prepared for peace.”
