Washington, 5 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - US President Donald Trump has voiced his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent efforts to smooth relations following a tense dispute between the two leaders in the Oval Office.

In his first address to both chambers of the US parliament since returning to office, Trump said that he had received a letter from Zelensky in which the Ukrainian president affirmed Kiev's readiness for peace talks.

"I appreciate that he sent this letter," Trump said, acknowledging Zelensky's attempt to reconcile.

The US president quoted excerpts from the letter, where Zelensky emphasized his willingness to work under Trump's leadership to achieve lasting peace.

Trump said the Ukrainian president also stated that Ukraine was ready to sign the raw materials agreement sought by the US.

Trump further noted that his administration was actively engaging in talks with Moscow and had received "strong signals" that Russia was open to peace negotiations.

"Wouldn't that be beautiful?" Trump remarked. "It's time to stop this madness. It's time to halt the killing. It's time to end the senseless war."

He stressed peace could only be achieved through dialogue with both sides.

Photo: EPA