On the night of March 5, US President Donald Trump spoke before Congress in his first speech since his inauguration. The day before in his social network Truth Social, he announced speech, writing: “Tomorrow is going to be a big night! I’ll tell it like it is!”.
The speech came amid reports of a suspension of military aid to Ukraine and uncertainty over a mineral deal that failed to be signed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s visit to the White House on February 28.
Despite speculation, Trump did not announce the conclusion of an agreement with Ukraine on minerals. However, he noted that he received an “important letter from President Zelenskyi”, in which the Ukrainian leader expressed his readiness for negotiations and the signing of an agreement.
“Today I received an important letter from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The letter says that Ukraine is ready to sit down at the negotiating table and bring lasting peace as soon as possible.” Trump said.
According to him, there were serious discussions with Russia regarding the peace treaty:
“We have had serious discussions with Russia, and we have received serious signals from them that they are ready for peace. It’s time to stop this madness, it’s time to stop the killing, it’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end the war, you have to talk to both sides.”
Trump also announced a “historic decision” on rare earth metals to be announced this week:
“Later this week, I will also take historic action to significantly increase production of critical materials and rare earth metals here in the US.”
Donald Trump once again stated that the USA allegedly provided $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, while, according to him, Europe’s contribution amounted to only $100 billion.
“Unfortunately, Europe spent more money on the purchase of Russian oil and gas than on the defense of Ukraine.” Trump added.
The US president expressed doubts about the difference between the volumes of European and American aid to Ukraine. At the same time, he did not mention the suspension of American aid to Ukraine.
