US: Tensions around Ukraine and trade tariffs escalate as Trump prepares for Congressional address

US President Donald Trump has once again taken aim at Zelenskyy, criticising the Ukrainian President's reluctance to negotiate a peace deal with Russia.

Speaking at a White House press conference, during which he announced a $100 billion (€95.3 billion) investment in the US by Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC, Trump stated that such a deal could be achieved quickly if Zelenskyy were willing.

Trump also insinuated that the Ukrainian President’s refusal to engage in negotiations could ultimately lead to his downfall, adding that "if someone doesn’t want to make a deal, they won’t be around very long."

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin and insists that any ceasefire must include security guarantees from the US and Europe.

He has also suggested that the end of the conflict is still "very, very far away," a statement that the US President described as the 'worst' possible in a post on Truth Social.

The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been strained following a contentious meeting at the White House, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance chastised Zelenskyy for not being sufficiently appreciative of US support for Ukraine.

In his upcoming speech before Congress, Trump is set to discuss the future of a US-Ukraine agreement involving rare earth minerals, which has now been thrown into doubt.

While he had previously refused to sign the deal with Ukraine, citing a lack of appreciation from President Zelenskyy, Trump has, however, continued to describe the deal as "great." He is expected to reveal further details during his address on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also assured British officials that the US is committed to negotiating an end to the