Donald Trump stated in Congress that both Ukraine and Russia are ready for negotiations to end the war

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Congress and stated that both Ukraine and Russia are ready for peace negotiations.

He also indicated that he considered Zelensky’s message of “regret” as a sufficient apology from the Ukrainian president to resume dialogue.

According to Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, when Trump referred to a “letter” from Zelensky, he was actually referencing Zelensky’s post on the social media platform X.

“Our president’s message was read by President Donald Trump in his address to the nation, and he said: ‘I appreciate that he wrote this letter,'” Markarova wrote.

Trump did not directly address the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine in his speech. However, he reiterated his intention to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible to stop further financial expenditures on the conflict.

“The U.S. has sent billions of dollars to Ukraine, with no guarantees. Do you want this to continue for another five years? It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time for dialogue with both sides. I received an important letter from President Zelensky. It states: ‘Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring about lasting peace. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will strive for a sustainable peace. We recognize the contribution the U.S. has made to achieving our sovereignty.’ Speaking of the minerals agreement, we have received word that Ukraine is ready to sign it. (This contradicts media reports that the agreement would already be signed before Trump’s speech to Congress—Ed.) I am grateful for this letter; I just received it moments ago,” Trump stated.

He also said he had received “strong signals” from Russia indicating its willingness to engage in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.

“We are engaged in serious discussions with Russia. And it looks like Russia is ready for peace talks. Isn’t that wonderful?” Trump said.

It is worth noting that in Zelensky’s letter to Trump, the Ukrainian president proposed the idea of a “partial” truce, which would involve a moratorium on airstrikes on infrastructure while ground combat operations continue. This proposal contradicts Trump’s primary demand for a complete ceasefire and is likely to be rejected by Russia.

As for Russia, the specifics of the “signals” it has sent to Trump remain unclear. The U.S. president did not elaborate on this in his speech.

It is important to recall that just a day earlier, the U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine.

Allies of the White House have stated that the arms supply ban could be lifted if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initiates peace negotiations.