Kyiv, Ukraine| Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly had a heated exchange with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a private meeting in Kyiv on February 12, after the American official pressed Ukraine to sign over 50% of its critical mineral reserves as compensation for U.S. aid, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT).
Tensions Erupt Over Resource Demands
Sources cited by FT described an intense confrontation in which Zelenskyy, visibly frustrated, raised his voice at Bessent as the U.S. official pushed for an immediate agreement on the deal.
An unnamed individual present at the meeting claimed that “the gravelly voice shouting from inside was unmistakable,” referring to Zelensky’s outburst.
“He was very angry,” one source told FT, adding that the Ukrainian leader reacted sharply to what he viewed as excessive demands from Washington.
Bessent, in contrast, was reportedly “flustered” and visibly shaken after the meeting, with the FT describing his hands as “trembling.”
However, sources close to Bessent disputed these claims, telling the Daily Mail that while the meeting was tense, descriptions of his reaction were exaggerated.
Disputed Aid Figures and Long-Term Costs
The U.S. proposal, backed by the Trump administration, seeks extensive control over Ukraine’s critical mineral resources—including lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements—as reimbursement for what Washington claims is $500 billion in military and economic aid provided to Kyiv during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
However, Ukrainian officials have pushed back on this figure, arguing that the actual U.S. assistance amounts to around $100 billion and was largely granted rather than loaned.
Zelensky has also voiced concerns over the long-term consequences of the deal, reportedly telling officials: “I am not signing something that will be paid by ten generations of Ukrainians.”
Strained U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The fiery exchange highlights increasing strains in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, which has cooled since Trump returned to office in 2025.
Following the meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky’s response, claiming that his Treasury Secretary was “treated rather rudely” after being denied the resource deal.
Trump also alleged that upon Bessent’s arrival in Kyiv, Zelenskyy was initially unavailable because he was “sleeping.”
The dispute is the latest in a series of growing tensions between the two governments. Trump has publicly expressed skepticism over continued U.S. aid to Ukraine and has pushed for negotiations with Russia.
After the failed resource deal, Trump escalated his criticism of Zelenskyy, branding him a “dictator without elections”—a reference to Zelensky’s refusal to hold presidential elections last year due to martial law.
Russia has also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, asserting that the Ukrainian parliament now holds the country’s legal authority.
Moscow’s Stance on the Resource Deal
While the mineral dispute is a bilateral issue between the U.S. and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has weighed in, stating that Moscow has no interest in the proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal.
However, he noted that Russia remains open to cooperation with American companies on rare-earth mineral partnerships.
The standoff over Ukraine’s natural resources adds another layer of complexity to the already tense geopolitical landscape, with Kyiv now facing mounting pressure from Washington as it navigates its war effort against Russia.
The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty over its economic assets and its long-term relationship with the U.S.
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