US and Ukraine Set to Sign Minerals Deal After Tense Meeting, Sources Say
According to Reuters, the U.S. and Ukraine are preparing to sign a major minerals deal on Tuesday, despite a heated meeting last week between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The deal, which had been delayed after the meeting, would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources and create a joint fund for reconstruction.
Reuters reports that the agreement was put on hold after Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskiy during their Oval Office meeting on Friday. Trump accused Zelenskiy of not being grateful enough for U.S. support and even warned him about the risks of “World War III.” The meeting ended with Zelenskiy leaving the White House abruptly.
However, U.S. officials have since worked to salvage the deal, urging Zelenskiy’s team to convince him to apologize to Trump. On Tuesday, Zelenskiy posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting was “regrettable” and expressed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the deal and work toward peace.
The deal, as described by Reuters, does not include direct security guarantees for Ukraine but allows the U.S. to benefit from Ukraine’s natural resources. It also requires Ukraine to contribute 50% of future revenues from state-owned resources to a joint U.S.-Ukraine reconstruction fund.
Trump has signaled his willingness to move forward with the deal, telling reporters that Ukraine should show more appreciation for U.S. support. He also criticized European countries for not contributing enough to Ukraine’s defense.
In short, as Reuters explains, this deal highlights the complex relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine. While the minerals agreement could bring economic benefits, the tense meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy shows the challenges of maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
The signing of the deal, if it happens, could mark a significant step in U.S.-Ukraine cooperation, despite recent friction.
Credit : Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-ukraine-prepare-sign-minerals-deal-tuesday-sources-say-2025-03-04