By The White House - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmgHM7oxVIw (46m44s), Public Domain,
US President Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had sent him a letter expressing gratitude for the support provided by the United States and indicating Ukraine’s readiness to engage in negotiations for a peace agreement with Russia. Additionally, Zelenskyy reportedly conveyed his willingness to enter into a critical minerals agreement with the US, a move that could enhance the economic relationship between the two countries.
Trump made these comments during his address to Congress, shortly after a tense meeting in the Oval Office involving himself, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy. This meeting concluded with a public disagreement regarding US military assistance and future collaboration.
In his address to lawmakers, Trump quoted Zelenskyy’s letter, highlighting the Ukrainian leader’s desire for peace and his appreciation for the support received from the United States.
Ukraine is prepared to engage in negotiations at the earliest opportunity to advance the prospect of enduring peace, as stated by Trump. “No one desires peace more than the Ukrainians,” he remarked.
Trump also noted that President Zelenskyy has shown readiness to finalize the minerals agreement. “We greatly appreciate the support that America has provided to help Ukraine uphold its sovereignty and independence,” Trump relayed from the letter. “We are prepared to sign the minerals deal whenever it is convenient for you.”
Trump did not specify whether this letter would affect his administration’s stance, particularly regarding his recent decision to suspend military assistance to Ukraine.
Vance Advocates for Economic Agreement Over Peacekeeping Forces
On the same day, Vice President JD Vance highlighted the economic agreement as a more effective deterrent against Russia than the proposed international peacekeeping force backed by Britain and France. “The minerals deal offers a far superior security guarantee compared to 20,000 troops from a country that has not engaged in combat for decades,” Vance stated during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
The Trump administration has maintained that bolstering economic relations between the US and Ukraine through mineral resource agreements could act as a deterrent to future Russian hostilities.
Reactions from US Allies Regarding Vance’s Statements
Vance’s remarks about “random countries” have stirred diplomatic tensions in Europe, particularly with Britain and France, who have advocated for a peacekeeping mission to secure Ukraine’s borders in the event of a ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been at the forefront of efforts to establish a multinational force that could prevent further Russian invasions.
Criticism of Vance’s statements emerged rapidly
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, characterized the vice president’s remarks as “wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.” Helen Maguire, the Liberal Democrat defense spokeswoman, called for the UK ambassador in Washington to demand an apology, accusing Vance of disregarding the sacrifices made by British soldiers who fought alongside American forces. “JD Vance is erasing from history the hundreds of British troops who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Maguire stated. Subsequently, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu remarked that Vance had retracted his comments, recognizing the contributions of British and French military forces over the last two decades.
Tensions continue regarding the abandoned minerals agreement
This deal was anticipated to be finalized during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House last week; however, it was abruptly canceled following a contentious discussion involving Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Ukraine possesses significant reserves of strategic minerals such as titanium, lithium, and manganese, which are essential for U.S. aerospace, electric vehicle production, and medical manufacturing. The proposed agreement was viewed as a means for Kyiv to reciprocate for the military assistance received from Washington during the conflict. With U.S.-Ukraine relations currently strained, it remains uncertain whether the minerals deal will proceed or if the Trump administration will reassess its military aid policies in response to Zelenskyy’s correspondence.
