After a turbulent several days between the U.S. and Ukraine, President Donald Trump gave no clear signs that American aid to Ukraine would be unpaused in his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Trump touched briefly on U.S. relations with Ukraine, saying he was working to end the Russia-Ukraine war but not signifying a change toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky after pausing American aid Monday evening.
“I am also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict, with no end in sight,” Trump said.
“Do you want to keep it going for another five years?… Pocahontas says yes,” Trump quipped, referring to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA.
Since Friday, when negotiations between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Zelenskyy broke down before signing a mineral rights deal, Trump has publicly communicated that Zelenskyy is not ready for a peace deal. He has suggested that Zelenskyy isn’t really interested in an end to the war as long as Ukraine is receiving billions of dollars in aid from the U.S.
Talks soured at the White House between the leaders when Trump was talking of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and Zelenskyy continued to emphasize the importance of security promises from the U.S. Trump and Vance insisted that he had not shown sufficient gratitude for America’s help.
Trump also said Tuesday evening that the U.S. has given more to Ukraine’s war effort than Europe, something he has said repeatedly, citing a $350 billion figure that may be unique to the president alone. Some present loudly objected to this remark. The State Department said this week aide to Ukraine since 2014 totals around $170 billion.
“Europe has sadly spent more money buying Russian Oil and Gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine, by far. Think of that.” Trump said. “And we’ve spent perhaps $350 billion, like taking candy from a baby. That’s what happened. And they’ve spent $100 billion.”
French President Emmanual Macron and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer both attempted to correct the president on some similar claims during their White House visits last week.
The unsigned minerals deal with Ukraine was supposed to give America access to rare earth minerals in that country as a form of repayment for its aid throughout the war.
“Later this week, I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths here in the USA,” Trump said.
Trump said he received a letter from Zelenskyy Tuesday communicating what Zelenskyy had posted to X that morning.
“I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace,” Zelenskyy wrote. “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
He went on to describe a potential partial ceasefire, expressed thanks to America for its support and finished with a word on the minerals deal.
“Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees,” he continued, “and I truly hope it will work effectively.”
Trump said he appreciated the letter, but added that Russia has communicated to the U.S. that it is “ready for peace.”
“It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to halt the killing,” Trump said. “If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”
