US President Donald Trump, during an address to Congress, claimed to have received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating Ukraine’s readiness to engage in peace talks. He also asserted that the letter referenced Ukraine’s willingness to sign an agreement concerning mineral resources.
Trump’s Statement in Congress
Discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump stated that 2,000 people—both Russians and Ukrainians—were being killed weekly and questioned whether the conflict should persist for another five years. He emphasised his desire to see hostilities end and cited what he described as an “important letter” from Zelenskyy.
According to Trump, the letter stated: “My team and I are ready to work under the strong leadership of President Trump to achieve lasting peace.” Additionally, Trump quoted the letter as saying: “We deeply appreciate what America has done to help Ukraine preserve its sovereignty and independence. Regarding the agreement on mineral resources and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time convenient for you.”
Trump expressed gratitude for the letter and added that his administration had held serious discussions with Russia, receiving “strong signals” that Moscow was prepared to pursue peace.
Clarifications from Ukrainian Officials
Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova welcomed Trump’s attention to Zelenskyy’s message, noting that it underscored Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States. “In a very difficult situation, we continue to move forward, build relationships, and advance our priorities. President Donald Trump read a post by our President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his address to the nation and said, ‘I appreciate that he wrote this letter,’” Markarova remarked.
Zelenskyy’s spokesperson, Serhiy Nykyforov, confirmed to LIGA.net that no official letter had been sent, explaining that Trump had been referring to a social media post rather than a direct communication from the Ukrainian president.
Context of Zelenskyy’s Social Media Post
Zelenskyy’s post, published after US Vice President J.D. Vance commented on the possibility of peace negotiations, reiterated Ukraine’s desire for a resolution to the war. In his message, Zelenskyy wrote: “I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace. None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”
I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 4, 2025
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