WASHINGTON (AP) — US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had written to him to say he appreciates US support for his country in its war with Russia and is ready to sign a deal that could ensure future American support.

In a speech to Congress following last week’s disastrous meeting at the White House, Trump said Zelensky had told him that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal with Russia as soon as possible and would accept a critical minerals agreement with the US to facilitate that.

Trump’s remarks came after Vice President JD Vance, who was a major player in the breakdown between the president and Zelensky on Friday, struck a new nerve with allies by offering skeptical comments about a potential international security force for postwar Ukraine proposed by Britain and France.

“Earlier today, I received an important letter from President Zelensky of Ukraine,” Trump said. Quoting from the letter, Trump said Zelensky told him that “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.”

“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” Trump quoted Zelensky as writing. “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.”

Trump added that Zelensky said he was ready to sign the minerals deal “at any time that is convenient for you.”

Although Trump said he “appreciated” getting the letter, he did not say if it would affect his policy toward Ukraine, which on Monday was dominated by his decision to

© The Times of Israel