Zelenskyy ready to negotiate peace with Russia, sign minerals deal: Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed regret over his recent clash with U.S. President Trump amid growing pressure and reaffirmed his commitment to peace for the country against Russian aggression.

Choi Min-jung has the latest.

The U.S. and Ukraine seem to be on the road to repairing their relationship after last week's spat at the White House.

In his first address to Congress since returning to power, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to negotiate.

"Earlier today, I received an important letter from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The letter reads Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer."

Trump also mentioned that he had engaged in substantial talks with Russia and had received clear indications that they are open to peace.

"We've had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace Wouldn't that be beautiful? It's time to stop this madness. It's time to halt the killing. It's time to end this senseless war."

Trump also acknowledged that Zelenskyy is ready to sign the much-debated minerals deal.

Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy also said Ukraine is ready to sign the deal, which grants the U.S. significant long-term rights to Ukraine's rare-earth minerals, in exchange for security assurances from Washington.

It was left unsigned in last week's contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House.

Zelenskyy expressed regret over his recent clash with Trump.

"We seek constructive cooperation and a true partnership. What happened at the White House instead of our planned negotiations is regrettable. But we must find the strength to move forward, respect one another — as we have always respected America, Europe, and all our partners — and work together to bring peace closer."

The Ukrainian leader said that maintaining a normal, partnership relationship with the U.S. is crucial to ending the war, adding that no one wants an endless war.

Zelenskyy also took to X on Tuesday, saying that he and his team are ready to work under Trump's "strong leadership" for lasting peace.

The remarks from Zelenskyy came hours after President Trump had ordered all military aid to Ukraine to be cut off.

Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.