Trump-Zelensky meeting collapses over rare earth deal dispute
Volodymyr Zelensky will not sign an agreement with the USA regarding rare earth metals. After a heated discussion in the Oval Office, Donald Trump asked him to leave the White House, according to American media. The meeting concluded without a press conference.
During Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House, tensions arose. According to Fox News, the President of Ukraine was requested by Donald Trump to leave the Oval Office. This was due to a heated conversation in front of the media.
Donald Trump commented on the situation via social media, writing: "He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace." As a result, the planned press conference was canceled.
The meeting was intended to cover an agreement on the extraction of rare earth metals, but it was not signed. Relations between the USA and Ukraine remain tense, making further discussions on cooperation in this field uncertain.
The proposed agreement between the United States and Ukraine aimed to establish cooperation in exploiting Ukrainian mineral resources, including rare earth metals such as titanium, lithium, graphite, and other resources crucial for modern technologies. The agreement's goal was to support Ukraine's economic recovery and allow the USA to recoup some of the funds allocated to aid Kyiv.
Main assumptions of the agreement:
Creation of an Investment Fund for Reconstruction - the fund was to be jointly managed by the US and Ukrainian governments. Ukraine would commit to transferring 50% of future revenues from the monetization of state natural resources and related infrastructure, such as LNG terminals and ports, to the fund.
Exclusion of existing sources of income - the agreement would not include resources already supporting the Ukrainian budget, meaning companies like Naftogaz or Ukrnafta would not be covered by the agreement.
No direct security guarantees - although the agreement focused on economic cooperation, it did not provide for direct security guarantees or the continuation of arms supplies from the USA.
During the meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025, Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky were expected to discuss the agreement's details. However, the talks took a tense turn, and differences over the terms and security issues led to the cancellation of the planned joint press conference. Shortly thereafter, the President of Ukraine left the White House.
Despite potential economic benefits, the failure to reach an agreement during the presidents' meeting may affect future relations between the USA and Ukraine and future support for Kyiv in its efforts towards rebuilding and stabilizing the country.
