During his address to Congress on Tuesday, President Trump adopted a more agreeable stance towards Ukrainian President Zelensky. This contrasted with a recent Oval Office disagreement, as Trump appeared willing to re-engage in discussions regarding Ukrainian mineral access in return for continued U.S. security aid.
Addressing the House, Trump quoted from a recent letter from Zelensky, indicating Ukraine’s readiness to finalize a minerals agreement and collaborate with Trump towards achieving peace. “I appreciate that he sent this letter,” Trump stated.
This change in demeanor followed a week after Trump abruptly ended his meetings with Zelensky at the White House, canceling a planned lunch and joint press conference. Tensions arose when Zelensky’s expression of gratitude for U.S. aid didn’t meet Trump and Vice President Vance’s expectations. Furthermore, Zelensky’s refusal to believe in Putin’s reliability for upholding a ceasefire and his choice of attire (a wartime black sweater and cargo pants instead of a suit) reportedly displeased Trump.
Over the weekend, Zelensky told reporters that the war’s conclusion was still “very, very far away.” Trump criticized Zelensky’s statement on Truth Social as “the worst statement” and warned of the U.S.’s dwindling patience. Subsequently, the situation worsened for Ukraine when Trump suspended U.S. military assistance as Ukrainian forces entered their fourth year of resisting Russian military advances.
Trump’s strained relationship with Zelensky dates back five years, to when Trump initially withheld military aid approved by Congress to pressure Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden. This action led to Trump’s initial impeachment.
During his address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump stated that his administration had maintained discussions with Russia regarding ending the war. “We’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
Trump justified his willingness to engage with Putin by saying, “If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.” Trump further stated: “It’s time to stop this madness.”
While describing his approach to the conflict, Trump exaggerated the extent of U.S. aid to Ukraine, claiming the U.S. has spent “hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defense.” According to Congress, $174 billion in assistance to Ukraine has been allocated since 2022.
Straying from his prepared remarks, Trump questioned, “Do you want to keep it going for another 5 years?” Addressing Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was applauding Ukraine, Trump used a derogatory nickname from the 2016 campaign, saying, “Pocahontas says ‘yes.’”
“Two thousand people are being killed every single week. They’re Russian young people, they’re Ukrainian young people. They’re not Americans. I want it to stop,” Trump stated.
“`
