Washington: The United States and Ukraine are preparing to sign a long-debated minerals deal today, despite recent tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to sources, the agreement, which was initially put on hold after a contentious Oval Office meeting, is expected to be announced during Trump’s address to Congress.
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Oval Office Clash Delayed Deal
The deal was delayed after a heated discussion in the White House last Friday. Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly scolded Zelensky, urging him to show more gratitude for US support rather than requesting additional aid. Trump allegedly warned, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
Following the incident, Zelensky posted on X, acknowledging the meeting’s challenges but reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness to move forward with the deal. “Our meeting in Washington did not go as planned,” he wrote. “Ukraine is ready to negotiate and bring lasting peace closer.”
Key Points of the Agreement
The original deal proposed that Ukraine contribute 50% of future revenues from state-owned natural resources to a joint US-Ukraine reconstruction investment fund. While it does not include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine, it provides the US with access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals in exchange for economic aid.
White House Response
Despite last week’s heated exchange, Trump signaled openness to finalizing the deal. “This country has stuck with Ukraine through thick and thin. We’ve given them more than Europe, and Europe should be doing more,” he told reporters on Monday.
