Zelensky seeks to mend ties with Trump after White House clash
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to restore relations with the United States following a tense exchange with president Donald Trump on Friday. "It is time to put that right," Zelensky wrote on X on Tuesday. "We want future cooperation and communication to be constructive."
Following Trump's orders to pause US military aid to Ukraine on Monday evening, Zelensky acknowledged the disastrous meeting the two leaders had last week. "It is regrettable that it went this way," he said.
He also addressed the proposed raw materials deal with the US, underscoring Ukraine’s readiness to sign it under any conditions. "Ukraine is prepared to sign it at any time and in any form it wishes. We see the agreement as a step towards greater security and strong security guarantees. I really hope that it will work effectively."
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace and its willingness to negotiate. "Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians," he said. "My team and I stand ready to work under president Trump's strong leadership to build a peace that lasts."
He outlined potential steps toward de-escalation, saying Ukraine was ready to act swiftly to end the war.
"The first steps could be the release of prisoners and a ceasefire in the air - a ban on missiles, long-range drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure - and a ceasefire at sea immediately if Russia does the same," he said. "Then we want to move very quickly through all the next steps and work with the United States to get a strong final deal."
Trump will address the US Congress on Tuesday evening, 24 hours after announcing a pause in aid to Ukraine. When asked on Monday if plans to sign a rare minerals deal with Ukraine were off the table, he said: "Well, I'll let you know tomorrow night" in reference to his speech. "But no, I don't think so. It's a great deal for us."
Other topics he is expected to cover include extending tax cuts, tightening border security and deportations.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky © PHOTO POU/ROPI VIA ZUMA PRESS
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