Washington, D.C., USA| U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House on Thursday to finalize a minerals agreement that grants Washington access to Ukraine’s rare-earth resources
The deal, valued at an estimated $20 billion, marks a significant shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, reflecting Trump’s longstanding demand that Kyiv provide economic concessions in return for continued American aid.
The agreement outlines the creation of a joint fund through which 50% of revenues generated from Ukraine’s mineral development will be reinvested into the country’s economy at least once a year.
However, it does not include security guarantees for Ukraine, despite repeated requests from Zelensky’s administration. Instead, the U.S. has pledged only to “support” efforts to secure future arrangements.
The Ukrainian government, led by Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, approved the deal on Wednesday.
Leaked documents published by Ukrainian media outlets Strana.ua and Evropeiskaya Pravda suggest that Ukraine will cede partial control over its mineral wealth in exchange for U.S. financial support, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism within the country.
Tense Exchanges in the Oval Office
While the signing of the minerals deal was the primary focus of the meeting, discussions between Trump and Zelenskyy grew increasingly heated.
Vice President J.D. Vance joined the talks and openly criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of being “disrespectful” and insufficiently grateful for U.S. support.
During one of the more contentious moments, Trump scolded the Ukrainian leader, telling him, “You are in no position to dictate what we’re gonna feel.”
The frustration escalated further when Trump warned Zelenskyy, “Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning this.”
Zelensky, dressed in a black long-sleeve shirt and work boots, reportedly pushed back against the administration’s stance, suggesting that Ukraine’s geopolitical influence would be felt if the U.S. withdrew support. Trump, visibly irritated, countered, “You don’t have the cards right now.”
Vice President Vance went a step further, questioning whether Zelensky had ever expressed gratitude for the aid his country had received. “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” he asked pointedly.
Trump’s Push for a Ukraine Peace Deal
Beyond the minerals agreement, Trump reiterated his desire to end the Ukraine-Russia war.
He claimed that both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin want to bring hostilities to a close and suggested that aid should be redirected toward rebuilding Ukraine rather than prolonging the conflict.
The meeting’s tense atmosphere highlighted the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Ukraine relations under Trump’s leadership.
While Washington remains a key partner in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, the administration’s firm stance on financial accountability and negotiations with Russia signals a departure from previous U.S. policies.
As the dust settles from this high-stakes diplomatic encounter, all eyes will be on the next steps—whether Ukraine and Russia move closer to peace and how the minerals deal will shape Ukraine’s economic and political future.
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