What was supposed to be the formal signing of a minerals agreement descended into a shouting match and bitter recriminations
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has been asked to leave the White House early without signing an agreement granting the US rights to the country’s natural resources or holding the planned joint press conference.
The meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance quickly devolved into an openly hostile confrontation during which the US head of state accused Zelensky of ungratefulness and unwillingness to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict.
The idea of a deal involving Ukraine’s rare-earths was initially floated by Zelensky last autumn, and the US president took him up on the offer earlier this month. There had been some back-and-forth over the past few weeks, as the Ukrainian leader attempted to secure more favorable terms. It was expected that the two leaders would sign a version of the accord on Friday.
Despite the fact that the Ukrainian government reviewed and greenlighted the agreement on Wednesday, the deal has apparently been left in limbo after the fiery exchange at the White House on Friday.
The meeting turned sour when Trump told Zelensky he had to negotiate peace with Russia, after which the Ukrainian leader dug his heels in and insisted that the US should continue supporting his country. Vance soon joined the fray, reasserting Trump’s remarks that Zelensky had failed to show enough respect and gratitude toward the US.
In a post on X, Fox News journalist Jacqui Heinrich wrote that “Trump kicked out Zelenskyy – he did not walk off on his own.”
She further quoted an unnamed member of the White House staff as claiming that the Ukrainian delegation was “begging to reset but [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio and [National Security Advisor Mike] Waltz informed them Zelenskyy needs to leave [the] White House grounds,” and that the Ukrainian leader could “return when he’s ready for peace.”
You can share this story on social media:
Read the full article here
