Zelensky leaves White House after rare earth talks collapse
Volodymyr Zelensky will not sign an agreement with the United States regarding rare earth metals. After a heated conversation in the Oval Office, Donald Trump asked him to leave the White House, according to American media. The meeting ended without a press conference.
During Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House, a tense situation arose. According to Fox News, the President of Ukraine was asked by Donald Trump to leave the Oval Office. This was due to a heated conversation that took place in front of the media.
Donald Trump commented on the situation on social media, writing: "He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace." As a result of this incident, the planned press conference was cancelled.
The meeting was supposed to concern an agreement on the extraction of rare earth metals, but it was not signed. Relations between the United States and Ukraine remain tense, and further discussions on cooperation in this field are uncertain.
The planned agreement between the United States and Ukraine aimed to establish cooperation in the exploitation of Ukrainian mineral resources, including rare earth metals such as titanium, lithium, and graphite, and other resources crucial for modern technologies. The goal of the agreement was to support Ukraine's economic recovery and allow the United States to recover some of the funds allocated to aid Kyiv.
Main assumptions of the agreement:
Creation of an Investment Fund for Reconstruction - the fund was to be jointly managed by the U.S. and Ukrainian governments. Ukraine would commit to transferring 50% of future revenues from the monetization of state natural resources and related infrastructure, such as LNG terminals and ports, to the fund.
Exclusion of existing sources of income - the agreement would not include resources already supporting the Ukrainian budget, meaning companies like Naftogaz or Ukrnafta would not be covered by the agreement.
No direct security guarantees - although the agreement focused on economic cooperation, it did not provide for direct security guarantees or the continuation of arms supplies from the United States.
During the meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025, Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky were to discuss the details of this agreement. However, the talks took a tense turn, and differences over the terms of the agreement and security issues led to the cancellation of the planned joint press conference. Shortly thereafter, the President of Ukraine left the White House. Please note that times for events in Canada are already used, and no conversion is necessary in this instance.
Despite potential economic benefits, the failure to reach an agreement during the presidents' meeting may affect future relations between the United States and Ukraine and future support for Kyiv in its efforts towards rebuilding and stabilizing the country.
