Zelenskyy left the White House without finalizing a crucial mineral deal after a tense confrontation with Trump, which the former president claimed could have brought Ukraine closer to resolving its conflict with Russia.
This unexpected development could significantly disrupt political dynamics in Europe and beyond. During his visit, Zelenskyy was anticipated to sign an agreement granting the U.S. greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and participate in a joint news conference. However, those plans fell apart following a heated exchange between the two leaders in front of the press.
The implications of this confrontation for the mineral deals are uncertain, especially since Trump emphasized its importance as a way to reciprocate the American aid provided to Kyiv since the war began. It remains unclear what, if any, demands Trump might have for Zelenskyy to get the deal back on track.
Following the outburst, Zelenskyy was reportedly asked to leave the White House by top advisors to Trump, who displayed open disdain. “You’re gambling with World War III. What you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country, which has supported you far more than many people acknowledge,” Trump told Zelenskyy.
The final moments of their nearly 45-minute meeting devolved into a heated exchange involving Trump, Vice President Vance, and Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader had aimed to urge Trump not to abandon Ukraine and to caution against getting too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, he found himself on the receiving end of a public dressing-down as Trump appeared to relish the dramatic confrontation for the cameras.