Ukraine-Russia war nearing an end? Trump hints at ‘strong signals’ from Moscow, reads Zelenskyy's letter

US President Donald Trump, in a speech to Congress on Tuesday, reiterated his intent to push for a negotiated end to the Ukraine-Russia war, claiming both sides were ready for peace but offering little detail on how he would achieve it.

“I’m also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine,” Trump said. “Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict, with no end in sight.”

Trump revealed that he had received an “important letter” from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing readiness to negotiate.

Reading out the letter, the US president said, “ ‘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,’ he said. ‘My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you’.”

“I appreciate that he sent this letter, just got it a little while ago. Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussion with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace,” Trump added.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy following their contentious Oval Office meeting last week, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticised Ukraine’s leadership over what they perceived as a lack of gratitude for the more than $180 billion in US military aid provided since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Zelenskyy seeks to repair US-Ukraine ties

Earlier Tuesday, Zelenskyy pledged to mend relations with the US after what he called a “regrettable” exchange with Trump in Washington. In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate and its continued appreciation for American support.

“None of us wants an endless war,” Zelenskyy wrote. “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.”

He also outlined potential first steps for negotiations, including an immediate truce in the sky and sea, as well as the release of prisoners, should Russia agree to the same terms.

"We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same. Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal," Zelenskyy said.

Trump’s Ukraine aid pause

The future of US military aid to Ukraine remains uncertain after Trump ordered a pause on assistance following his clash with Zelenskyy. The decision has drawn concern from Kyiv and some European allies, who warn that a reduction in American support could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In Moscow, the Kremlin welcomed Trump’s move, with officials stating that cutting off US military aid to Ukraine would be a positive step toward peace.

Trump, who has long claimed he could end the war “within 24 hours,” has pressured Ukraine to enter peace talks, despite Zelenskyy’s insistence that a settlement must include security guarantees and territorial integrity.

Zelenskyy, in his social media post, reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the agreement “at any time and in any convenient format,” describing it as a step toward stronger security ties with the US.

The Trump administration and Ukraine plan to sign the deal in return for military aid, reported Reuters quoting people aware of the matter.