US President Donald Trump says he is obtained a letter from Volodymyr Zelensky agreeing to “come to the negotiating desk” to strike a peace deal in Ukraine.
“I admire that he despatched this letter,” Trump mentioned as he addressed a joint session of Congress in Washington.
It got here after Zelensky mentioned in a social media put up that he was able to work beneath Trump’s “robust management” to attain a long-lasting peace.
The statements point out a cooling of tensions between the leaders following their fiery assembly within the Oval Workplace final week.
In his deal with to Congress, Trump mentioned he obtained an “essential letter” from Zelensky on Tuesday, earlier than studying what he mentioned had been excerpts from it.
Components 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 person desires peace greater than the Ukrainians,” Trump mentioned.
Persevering with to learn from what he mentioned was Zelensky’s letter, Trump mentioned: “My crew and I stand able to work beneath President Trump’s robust management to get a peace that lasts.”
Trump additionally mentioned Zelensky instructed 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 mentioned there had been “severe discussions” with Russia, and he’d “obtained robust alerts that they’re prepared for peace”.
Trump didn’t point out when the talks passed off, or whether or not he was personally concerned in them.
“It is time to finish this mindless battle. If you wish to finish wars, it’s a must to 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 saying a pause in army support to Kyiv.
Zelensky mentioned “it was time to make issues proper”, after Trump had accused him of not being prepared to come back to the negotiating desk.
The Ukrainian chief additionally outlined the primary phases of how the battle could possibly be ended.
The Oval Workplace assembly between Zelensky and US officers final week was attributable to 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 instructed Zelensky: “Come again while you’re prepared for peace.”
