By US Officials on the Minerals Agreement
According to US officials, the minerals deal—which Trump had previously described as essential for Ukraine to repay American assistance while he pursued negotiations with Vladimir Putin—was left unsigned before Zelenskyy departed Washington.
Shortly before Zelenskyy left the White House, Trump took to social media to criticize the Ukrainian leader, stating:
“He showed disrespect to the United States of America in its esteemed Oval Office. He can return when he is ready for peace.”
Tensions in the Meeting
The strain between Trump and Zelenskyy was evident. As the Ukrainian president expressed concerns about Putin potentially violating agreements, Trump sat with his eyes closed, tapping his fingers. When Trump dismissed the risk of another attack, Zelenskyy shook his head in disagreement.
“I am neutral. I want a resolution. I stand for both sides,” Trump declared. “It’s easy to criticize others, but my priority is to achieve a solution.”
However, the conversation grew heated when Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy.
“Do you think it’s appropriate to come into the Oval Office and criticize the administration that is working to prevent your country’s destruction?” Vance challenged.
This intense exchange, broadcast on television, was a major setback for Zelenskyy. He had hoped the face-to-face meeting would strengthen his relationship with Trump and secure firmer US backing for Ukraine, particularly given Trump’s apparent shift toward Moscow.
Instead, the confrontational tone of the discussion has raised further doubts about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its fight against Russia’s prolonged invasion. Ukraine continues to struggle with a shortage of soldiers on the battlefield and remains heavily dependent on US military aid. The incident is also likely to unsettle European allies, who are already scrambling to compensate for the diminishing American support.
The Minerals Agreement: A Divisive Issue
The meeting was initially intended to present a unified front, with both leaders set to sign a natural resources deal. The agreement was meant to reassure Trump that US assistance to Ukraine would be reciprocated, and he had hailed it as a significant commitment from Washington.
“This deal paves the way to peace. It’s a step toward finding a resolution,” Trump stated.
However, the agreement fell short of the security guarantees Zelenskyy had sought. Instead, it centered on economic cooperation between the US and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy insisted that a mere minerals deal would not ensure Ukraine’s safety, citing Russia’s history of breaking agreements.
His remarks frustrated both Trump and Vice President Vance.
“Putin will not stop—he will keep pushing forward,” Zelenskyy warned. “He despises Ukrainians and seeks to destroy our nation. While this deal is helpful, it is far from sufficient.”
Trump, in response, suggested that Zelenskyy’s deep hostility toward Putin was obstructing a possible resolution. He also defended his own friendly relations with the Russian leader, arguing that such diplomacy would yield better results.
“I can be tougher than anyone you’ve ever seen. But if you go about it that way, you’ll never achieve a deal,” Trump stated.
Clash Over Security Concerns
Another point of contention arose when Zelenskyy implied that Trump did not fully grasp the situation, as the US is protected by an ocean and does not face the same imminent threat from Russia.
Trump quickly fired back:
“You’re in no position to tell us how to feel. We are strong and confident. But you, on the other hand, have placed yourself in a very weak position.”
Vice President Vance then pressed Zelenskyy further:
“Have you even expressed gratitude once?” Vance asked, before implying that Zelenskyy had favored Kamala Harris in the last election by visiting a Pennsylvania ammunition plant—a key battleground state.
“Show some appreciation for the United States and for the president who is trying to help your country,” Vance urged.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy posted a message on social media thanking Trump, Congress, and the American people.
“Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, and that is exactly what we are working toward,” he wrote.
Uncertainty Over the Minerals Deal
The future of the natural resources agreement remains uncertain.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking to Bloomberg Television, expressed skepticism about how Zelenskyy could salvage the deal. He called the Ukrainian leader’s approach “one of the biggest diplomatic missteps in history.”
“President Trump’s vision was to use economic agreements to create deeper ties—this would have signaled a stronger connection between Ukraine, Russia, and the US,” Bessent said. “Yet Zelenskyy undermined that effort today. I have no idea what he was thinking.”
From the White House, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, also placed the blame squarely on Zelenskyy.
“President Trump was stunned by the exchange. I don’t know if we can do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham said. “He either needs to resign and send a negotiator we can work with, or he must change his approach.”
Trump’s Position on the Minerals Deal
Despite the fallout, Trump initially described the minerals deal as an “exciting development”, suggesting that proceeds from the agreement could fund artificial intelligence and military projects.
“We don’t yet know the full amount, but we’ll be placing some of the revenue into a fund derived from the raw materials we extract,” he said. “It’s going to be a significant amount of money.”
However, he has downplayed the need for explicit security guarantees for Ukraine, instead arguing that strengthened economic ties with the US would be enough to deter Putin from further aggression.
“Once this agreement is in place, that will resolve about 95% of the issue. The conflict won’t resume,” Trump said. “I’ve spoken with President Putin—I know him well, and I believe they are serious about peace.”
“Security is not my main concern,” he added. “What matters is finalizing this deal.”
European Leaders’ Push for Support
Zelenskyy’s visit followed a week of intense diplomatic efforts, with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer both traveling to Washington. Their goal was to persuade Trump to commit to a European-led security initiative aimed at shielding Ukraine from further Russian aggression.
France and the UK have reportedly considered deploying a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but such an operation would require American backing. Trump, however, has refused to provide any commitments, insisting that Europe should take responsibility for the situation.
