Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of walking away from a key minerals agreement.
“We Made a Deal — Now He Wants to Renegotiate”
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Trump told reporters, “We made a deal on rare earths, and now he’s saying, ‘well, you know, I want to renegotiate the deal.’”
Trump Issues Sharp Warning
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“If he backs out of that deal, he’s got problems. Big, big problems,” Trump said, suggesting serious consequences for Ukraine if the agreement collapses.
NATO Membership? “He Was Never Getting That”
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Trump added: “He wants to be a member of NATO. Well, he was never going to be a member. He understands that.” The rare earth deal, he implied, was part of a broader political understanding.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
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The deal was expected to be signed during Zelenskyy’s planned White House visit on February 28 — a visit that was abruptly canceled after a heated confrontation.
Oval Office Fallout
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According to reports, Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Zelenskyy during the lead-up to the meeting, accusing him of being ungrateful for years of U.S. support.
A Rare Public Rift
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The incident marked one of the most visible breakdowns in U.S.-Ukraine relations in recent years — with sharp words exchanged on both sides behind closed doors.
Zelenskyy’s Apology Letter
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Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently revealed that Zelenskyy sent a letter apologizing for how the Oval Office exchange unfolded.
Zelenskyy: “We’re Ready to Sign”
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Despite the friction, Zelenskyy later said Ukraine remains ready to sign a security and minerals agreement with the U.S. at any time.
Deal Seen as Step Toward Greater Security
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Ukrainian officials view the rare earth and security deal as a key step toward strengthening national defense and securing deeper cooperation with the U.S.
Strategic Stakes Are High
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Rare earth minerals are vital for defense, tech, and clean energy industries, making the deal critical for both countries' strategic interests.
Where Things Stand Now
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As of now, no new signing date has been announced. The fate of the rare earth deal and the tone of U.S.-Ukraine relations remains uncertain.
