Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attempting damage control following a disastrous White House meeting with President Trump that ended without a crucial minerals deal. After talking to European leaders, he’s coming crawling back to the White House with his tail between his legs.
At a Glance
- Zelenskyy claims Ukraine is still “ready to sign” a minerals deal with the US despite walking out of talks with President Trump
- The agreement was intended to give the US access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources in exchange for continued support
- President Trump criticized Zelenskyy for insufficient gratitude and warned Ukraine would fight alone without a deal
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the deal is no longer on the table
- European leaders are now discussing a potential one-month partial truce with Russia
Zelensky Claims Ukraine Still Willing to Sign Deal After White House Walkout
Following a tense meeting in the Oval Office that ended with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walking out without signing a planned minerals agreement, the Ukrainian leader is now claiming his country remains open to the deal. Speaking to the BBC after meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy attempted to paint Ukraine as the constructive party in the negotiation process, despite his earlier refusal to work with President Trump’s terms during their face-to-face meeting.
The minerals agreement was intended to help resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict by allowing American companies access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources as part of a post-war recovery plan. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that America should receive tangible benefits in return for the billions in aid sent to Ukraine over the past two years, but negotiations stalled dramatically during what was supposed to be a routine signing ceremony.
Trump Confronts Zelensky on Lack of Gratitude
During their televised Oval Office meeting, President Trump directly challenged Zelenskyy’s attitude toward American support, suggesting Ukraine has not shown appropriate appreciation for the massive financial and military aid packages provided under the previous administration. The confrontation highlighted Trump’s “America First” approach to foreign policy and his determination to secure beneficial deals for the United States.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” President Trump told Zelenskyy during their tense exchange, making it clear that continued American support would be contingent on Ukraine agreeing to terms that benefit American interests.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later confirmed that the minerals deal is no longer being considered following the failed negotiations. Bessent also clarified that any future security arrangements for Ukraine would come from the European Union, “not NATO” – a significant policy shift that places more responsibility on European countries to handle the conflict in their region.
With the prospect of continued American support now uncertain, European leaders are scrambling to develop alternative plans. At a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussions focused on increasing European security spending and potentially brokering a limited ceasefire agreement with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that France and Britain might propose a partial one-month truce, signaling growing European interest in diplomatic solutions.
“It is our policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive. If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it,” Zelenskyy claimed in his statements to the BBC, despite having walked away from the agreement when presented with terms by President Trump.
The stark differences between the Trump administration’s approach and that of European leaders highlights the growing divide over how best to address the Ukraine conflict. While European nations appear willing to continue supporting Ukraine without demanding immediate economic benefits, President Trump’s insistence on favorable terms for America reflects his commitment to putting American interests first in all international dealings.
