President Donald Trump read a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Congress on March 4, following their heated meeting at the White House. The letter expressed Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate for peace. “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible,” Trump read, adding, “Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians.”

Their meeting on February 28 ended abruptly after Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” and told him, “You either make a deal or we are out.” The press conference and a rare earth minerals agreement were cancelled, with Zelenskyy asked to leave.

Despite the tension, the letter conveyed Ukraine’s gratitude for US support and readiness to sign the minerals deal at any time. Trump praised Zelenskyy’s gesture and claimed Russia had shown “strong signals that they are ready for peace,” without giving further details.

During the speech, Trump thanked Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), for his efforts to cut federal spending and reduce the national debt. “Thank you Elon, you’re working really hard,” he said.

Ukraine has not publicly commented on the letter.