Zelenskyy Left White House Without Signing US-Ukraine Minerals Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, following a heated Oval Office exchange in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” for demanding security guarantees. The two leaders were expected to sign a critical minerals deal granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources, but Zelenskyy left without signing the agreement after the meeting spiraled into a tense back-and-forth over Ukraine’s war strategy and relations with Russia. Trump warned Zelenskyy he was “gambling with World War III”, while Zelenskyy pushed back against Trump’s trust in Vladimir Putin. The breakdown in negotiations raises new doubts about U.S. support for Ukraine, as Trump continues to push for a diplomatic resolution on his terms.
Trump-Zelenskyy Confrontation: Quick Looks
- Trump abruptly ends meeting with Zelenskyy, cutting off negotiations on the US-Ukraine minerals deal.
- Zelenskyy departs White House without signing the agreement, leaving the future of U.S. support uncertain.
- Trump warns Zelenskyy he is “gambling with World War III” and accuses him of being ungrateful.
- Vice President JD Vance tells Zelenskyy he was “disrespectful” for debating Trump in front of the media.
- Trump insists Putin has never broken an agreement with him, while Zelenskyy warns against trusting the Russian leader.
- Meeting initially focused on U.S. investment in Ukraine’s mineral resources but quickly unraveled.
- Tensions expose growing U.S.-Ukraine divide as Trump reshapes U.S. foreign policy on the war.
Zelenskyy Left White House Without Signing US-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Deep Look: Trump and Zelenskyy’s White House Showdown
What began as a critical discussion on U.S. investment in Ukraine quickly devolved into one of the most explosive diplomatic confrontations between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump Cuts Off Talks, Accuses Zelenskyy of ‘Disrespect’
The meeting, originally scheduled to end with the signing of a minerals deal, took a dramatic turn when Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy over his demands for security guarantees.
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump told Zelenskyy. “You’re gambling with World War III.”
Vice President JD Vance then accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” for pushing his position in front of the American press.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked, echoing Trump’s frustration.
Zelenskyy tried to push back, warning that Putin’s promises of peace could not be trusted.
Trump Defends Putin, Says Ukraine Lacks Leverage
Rather than addressing Zelenskyy’s concerns, Trump dismissed the Ukrainian president’s warnings about Russia, saying that Putin had never broken an agreement with him personally.
“You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump told Zelenskyy, pointing at him. “With us, you start having cards.”
Trump suggested the U.S. had already done more for Ukraine than necessary, telling Zelenskyy he needed to show gratitude rather than make demands.
“Again, just say thank you,” Trump said. “You’re not acting thankful at all.”
Zelenskyy Walks Away Without Signing the Deal
After nearly 45 minutes of escalating tension, Zelenskyy left the White House without signing the minerals agreement—a major setback for Trump’s efforts to tie U.S. investment in Ukraine to future security arrangements.
The deal would have:
- Given U.S. companies access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals for industries like defense and technology.
- Helped finance the reconstruction of Ukraine, devastated by three years of war.
- Potentially secured long-term economic ties between Washington and Kyiv.
However, Zelenskyy refused to commit to the deal without stronger U.S. security assurances—something Trump was unwilling to provide.
Tensions Expose Deepening U.S.-Ukraine Rift
The collapse of the talks signals a major shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Trump moves away from previous policies of unconditional military aid.
- Trump has called for a quick resolution to the war, favoring negotiations with Russia.
- The administration held secret talks with Moscow in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukraine and European allies.
- Trump has dismissed NATO membership for Ukraine, telling Zelenskyy to “forget about it”.
- European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have pushed Trump for security commitments—but to no avail.
“This was a stunning public rebuke,” a senior European diplomat said. “Zelenskyy came looking for assurances, and instead, he got humiliated.”
What’s Next for US-Ukraine Relations?
- Zelenskyy is expected to seek stronger security commitments from European allies in the absence of U.S. backing.
- Trump may still pursue an economic deal with Ukraine, but without military commitments.
- Russia could see this as a sign of weakening U.S. support for Ukraine, which may embolden further aggression.
- The fallout from this meeting raises questions about the future of U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s defense.
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