Trump to Address Congress on Future of Ukraine Minerals Deal Amidst Tensions with Zelenskyy
Former President Donald Trump is set to unveil the status of a pivotal rare-earth minerals agreement with Ukraine during his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. This announcement follows a tumultuous visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, which ended abruptly after disagreements over peace negotiation strategies with Russia.
The planned minerals agreement, intended to grant the United States access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources in exchange for continued U.S. support, hangs in the balance. Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington was initially aimed at solidifying this deal, seen as a potential cornerstone for a strengthened and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.
However, the meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance reportedly devolved into a heated exchange. The core of the disagreement centered on the viability of diplomatic avenues for achieving peace in Ukraine and the level of trust that could be placed in Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sources indicate that Trump and Vance challenged Zelenskyy’s approach, questioning his skepticism toward Putin and suggesting that he wasn’t adequately appreciative of the substantial support provided by the U.S.
According to reports, Trump ultimately cut the meeting short, dismissing Zelenskyy from the White House and stating that he could return when he was "ready for peace." This abrupt end to the discussions has cast a shadow over the minerals agreement and raised concerns about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
When questioned by reporters on Monday about the fate of the rare-earth minerals deal, Trump remained tight-lipped but promised to provide clarity during his address to Congress. "I’ll let you know," Trump stated, hinting at a significant announcement. "We’re making a speech, you’ve probably heard about it, tomorrow night. I’ll let you know tomorrow night… it’s a great deal for us."
Despite the discord in Washington, Zelenskyy has publicly expressed his continued commitment to the agreement. Speaking to reporters in London on Sunday, he affirmed his belief in the enduring strength of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship.
The tensions surrounding the White House meeting extend beyond the specific details of the minerals deal. Trump has voiced his desire to see Zelenskyy demonstrate greater gratitude for the extensive U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine since the start of the war with Russia. "I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with him through thick and thin," Trump asserted. He further argued that the U.S. has provided more support to Ukraine than European nations, despite Europe’s geographical proximity to the conflict.
Trump has previously lauded the minerals agreement as a landmark achievement that would significantly benefit both the U.S. and Ukraine. He has emphasized its potential to establish a more stable and sustainable long-term relationship, providing the U.S. with access to crucial resources, including oil and gas. "We’re going to be signing really a very important agreement for both sides, because it’s really going to get us into that country," Trump remarked during a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "We’ll have a lot of people working there and so, in that sense, it’s very good."
In addition, Trump has stated his intention to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are reimbursed for the financial contributions made to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
JD Vance, the Vice President, has emerged as a key figure in defending Trump’s foreign policy approach in the wake of the Oval Office disagreement with Zelenskyy.
The scale of U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine has been substantial. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022. Comparative data from the Kiel Institute, a German-based think tank, indicates that total European assistance to Ukraine between January 2022 and December 2024 amounted to roughly $138.7 billion, while the U.S. contributed $119.7 billion during the same period.
The rift between Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly intensified after Zelenskyy expressed his lack of faith in Putin’s reliability, citing previous breaches of agreements. Trump and Vance, in turn, accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude and suggested that he was in a "bad position" during negotiations. Trump characterized Zelenskyy’s approach as a high-stakes gamble, warning of potential catastrophic consequences. "You’re playing cards," Trump stated. "You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country."
Following his departure from the White House, Zelenskyy attempted to mend fences by posting a message on X expressing gratitude to the U.S. for its support. "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit," Zelenskyy wrote. "Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."
The upcoming address to Congress will be closely scrutinized for indications of Trump’s future policy direction toward Ukraine, particularly concerning the rare-earth minerals deal and the broader relationship between the two countries. The world will be watching to see if Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift in U.S. support for Ukraine or a renewed effort to find common ground.
