The US president has for weeks demanded that Kiev grant access to its natural resources so Washington can recoup the aid provided to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump was receiving Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky at the White house, where the two were expected to sign an agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s natural resources.
The idea of a deal involving Ukraine’s rare-earths was first floated by Zelensky last autumn, and the US president took him up on the offer earlier this month. There was some back-and-forth over the past few weeks, with the Ukrainian leader apparently attempting to secure more favorable terms.
The minerals deal was expected to provide a general framework and confirm the two nations’ intent to create a special joint fund to be followed up by a series of separate documents, stipulating the details.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told NewsNation on Thursday that the “ballpark estimate of what it’s worth to the American people is around $20 billion.”
The Ukrainian government reviewed and greenlighted the agreement on Wednesday, according to Prime Minister Denis Shmigal.
Local media outlets Strana.ua and Evropeiskaya Pravda published what they claimed to be the text of the future agreement. According to the publications, 50% of all revenues from the future development of Ukraine’s natural resources will accrue to a joint fund, with the accumulated assets being invested in the country’s economy “at least once a year.”
Despite Kiev’s demands, Washington will not offer any security guarantees to Ukraine under the agreement, only “supporting” efforts to secure an arrangement.
Commenting on the deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that it “doesn’t concern” Moscow.
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28 February 2025
19:03 GMT
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has described what transpired between Trump and Zelensky as “a fierce dressing down in the Oval Office.”
“Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face for the first time: the Kiev regime is playing with World War III” Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, said in a post on Telegram. In his words, Zelensky “got a solid slap.”
“This is useful. But it is not enough – we need to stop military aid to the Nazi machine.”
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18:57 GMT
Trump-appointed government efficiency tsar Elon Musk wrote in a post on X that “Zelensky destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people” following the Ukrainian leader’s rowdy exchange with the US president and vice president.
Zelensky destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2025
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18:48 GMT
The planned joint press conference of Trump and Zelensky has been canceled, CNN has reported, citing a White House official.
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18:47 GMT
Reuters has reported that Zelensky left the White House ahead of schedule after the shouting match with Trump and Vance.
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18:46 GMT
“You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Trump insisted.
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18:46 GMT
“It’s going to be a very hard thing doing business like this,” the US president observed.
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18:45 GMT
Trump claimed that if Ukraine “didn’t have our military equipment, this war would’ve been over in two weeks.”
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18:35 GMT
Following his meeting with Zelensky, which reportedly ended with Zelensky leaving the White House after a spat with the US leader, Trump posted on this Truth Social media that the Ukrainian leader “is not ready for peace”.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” he said.
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18:28 GMT
After Zelensky said “we’ve been alone,” Trump reminded the Ukrainian leader that the US had given Ukraine $350 billion in aid since the escalation of the conflict.
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18:24 GMT
“Your country is in big trouble. You’re not winning this,” Trump told Zelensky.
NOW – Zelensky, Trump, and Vance argue in the Oval Office.pic.twitter.com/olcwxN6VRO
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 28, 2025
https://www.rt.com/news/613461-trump-meets-zelensky-minerals-deal/