ZELINSKY’S VISIT TO USA: THE CONFRONTATION
- On February 28, 2025, President Donald Trump had a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.
- The heated discussion showed serious problems in U.S.-Ukraine relations and made it clear that Trump wanted to end the war in Ukraine on his own terms.
- The incident raised doubts about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.
KEY EVENTS DURING THE MEETING
- Trump’s Ultimatum: Trump told Zelensky, “You either make a deal, or we are out.” He said the U.S. would either push for a peace deal or stop helping Ukraine altogether.
- Shouting and Confrontation: The meeting turned into a loud argument, with both sides shouting and accusing each other. This damaged the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine.
- Impact on U.S.-Ukraine Relations: The meeting made people question whether Ukraine could continue fighting Russia without U.S. support, especially if Trump stopped backing them.
TRUMP’S VIEWS ON RUSSIA’S ACTIONS
- Dismissal of Russia’s Past Violations: Trump downplayed Russia’s history of breaking promises, saying it happened under past U.S. leaders.
- He also hinted at talks with Russian officials, showing a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia.
ZELINSKY’S REQUEST & TRUMP’S RESPONSE
- Security Guarantees: Zelensky asked for clear security guarantees from the U.S. but only received vague promises of continued military support from Trump.
- Trump told Zelensky to agree to a peace deal with Russia before he would meet him again.
- Pressure on Zelensky: After weeks of pressure, Zelensky agreed to Trump’s terms, but it hurt Ukraine’s trust in the U.S. and left them uncertain about America’s commitment to their cause.
THE ARGUMENT IN OVAL OFFICE
- Vice President JD Vance’s Criticism: Vance criticized Zelensky for speaking out about Russia’s broken promises, saying it was disrespectful to the U.S.
- Trump’s Warning: Trump warned Zelensky, saying: “You’re gambling with World War III… You’re being disrespectful to the country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”
- Trump’s Criticism of Zelensky’s Attitude Toward Putin: Trump also criticized Zelensky for his “hatred” of Putin, calling it a problem for peace talks.
THE US UKRAINE MINERALS DEAL
- The Deal’s Initial Promise: Zelensky hoped to sign an agreement giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which could lead to future deals. However, the deal was canceled after the argument.
- Trump’s Position: Trump argued that the deal would help U.S. taxpayers get their money back from the aid sent to Ukraine. But he also said Ukraine’s security should be Europe’s responsibility, not the U.S.’s.
DETAILS OF MINERALS DEAL
- Investment Fund: The deal planned to create a fund to help rebuild Ukraine. Ukraine would contribute 50% of proceeds from its mineral, oil, and gas resources to this fund. The S. would support Ukraine’s economy without giving firm security promises.
- Disagreements: The U.S. originally asked for access to $500 billion worth of mineral resources, but later dropped this demand. Some Ukrainian officials said the original deal was unfair but that the revised terms were more reasonable.
- Security Guarantees: Zelensky had been asking for security guarantees, but the deal didn’t include any.
THE DEAL’S FUTURE
- Cancellation: After the Oval Office meeting, the signing of the deal didn’t happen. The White House announced that it had been called off, and Trump said Zelensky could return only when he was ready for peace.
- Uncertainty: It’s unclear if or when the deal will be signed, leaving Ukraine’s future with the U.S. uncertain.
UKRAINE’S RARE EARTH MINERALS
- Key Resources: Ukraine has about 5% of the world’s key materials, including graphite, titanium, and lithium, which are important for electric vehicle batteries. They also have rare earth minerals, but the full extent is debated.
- Russian Control: Russia has taken control of some Ukrainian resources, worth around $350 billion. A quarter of Ukraine’s land is also contaminated with landmines, making it hard to safely access these resources.
REACTION FROM EUROPEAN LEADERS
SUMMIT OF EU LEADERS
WHAT NOW?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said a minerals deal with the United States is “ready” to be signed despite his public bust-up with US President Donald Trump.
“It is our policy to continue despite what happened in the past. We are constructive. If we agreed upon signing it, we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe that the United States is ready as well,”
“Perhaps there is a need in time to analyse certain things, but I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard. It was very important to me that the Ukrainian position is heard.”
“We count on assistance from the United States without a doubt,”
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