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A White House meeting meant to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine rare-earth minerals deal unraveled into a heated exchange Friday as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparred over the war with Russia and the path to peace.
The meeting, which took place in the Oval Office, began with Vance advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the war. Zelenskyy swiftly rejected the notion, citing Russia’s history of violating agreements.
“He killed our people, and he didn’t exchange prisoners,” Zelenskyy said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about? What do you mean?”
Vance fired back, accusing Zelenskyy of being disrespectful.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media right now,” Vance said.
Trump also rebuked Zelenskyy, warning him against provoking a global conflict.
“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump said. “And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
Rare-Earth Minerals Deal Finalized Despite Tensions
The tense meeting was meant to advance a lucrative minerals deal that would grant the U.S. significant ownership stakes in Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals, which are crucial for high-tech industries.
The minerals deal, which Trump’s administration had framed as a way for Ukraine to “repay” America for military assistance, now hangs in the balance. The agreement would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s reserves of titanium and iron ore—resources critical for defense and technology manufacturing.
The breakdown of talks has broader implications, as European allies worry that U.S.-Ukraine relations could deteriorate further. Meanwhile, Russia has celebrated the rift, with Russian officials mocking Zelenskyy and portraying the incident as evidence of Ukraine’s weakening ties with Washington.
The Strategic Importance of Ukraine’s Minerals
Ukraine holds vast reserves of titanium, iron ore, and other critical minerals, many of which are located in Russian-occupied territories. The deal is seen as a way to:
- Repay the U.S. for the $66 billion in military assistance provided to Ukraine since 2022.
- Strengthen U.S.-Ukraine economic ties, ensuring long-term financial stability.
- Deter Russian aggression by securing a U.S. foothold in Ukraine’s economic future.
An administration official described the agreement as a clear signal to Russia that the U.S. has a vested interest in Ukraine’s long-term prosperity.
“This is an economic security arrangement with strong deterrent value,” the source said.
Russia’s Counteroffer and Peace Negotiations
Russia has reportedly proposed a similar minerals deal, offering the U.S. ownership rights to minerals in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory. Trump and Putin have both expressed interest in such an arrangement.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia this month for the first direct peace talks under Trump’s administration.
Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, arguing that Ukraine has drained U.S. resources and that the war cannot be won militarily.
“I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings,” Trump said of Zelenskyy in a recent Fox News interview. “He makes it very hard to make deals.”
Bipartisan Support for Ukraine Amid Trump’s Skepticism
Despite Trump’s tough stance, bipartisan support for Ukraine remains strong. Zelenskyy met with a group of U.S. senators ahead of his Oval Office meeting, where discussions centered on continued military aid.
At a joint press conference, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron both urged Trump to ensure any peace deal does not favor Russia.
“It can’t be peace that rewards the aggressor,” Starmer said.
Macron echoed the sentiment, calling for strong security guarantees for Ukraine in any negotiated settlement.
What’s Next?
Zelenskyy is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Hudson Institute and meet with members of the Ukrainian-American community. The finalized minerals deal will now be subject to further scrutiny from both U.S. and Ukrainian lawmakers.
As Trump navigates peace negotiations with Russia, his approach to Ukraine remains a major flashpoint in global diplomacy.
