Peace Talks Crumble: Trump and Zelenskyy Clash, Minerals Deal Derailed
Negotiations aimed at forging a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia suffered a significant setback on Friday, culminating in a tense and ultimately unproductive meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The meeting, intended to solidify a minerals deal and advance peace efforts, reportedly ended with a canceled press conference, a derailed agreement for U.S. access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals, and Trump urging Zelenskyy to leave the White House.
The breakdown in communication appears rooted in Trump’s perception that Zelenskyy disrespected the United States and was leveraging American involvement for an advantage in negotiations rather than genuinely seeking peace. In a post on Truth Social following the meeting, Trump stated, "I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I dont want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington was ostensibly centered around finalizing a minerals agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s significant reserves of rare earth minerals, crucial components for various technological applications, in exchange for continued U.S. support since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The anticipated deal was touted as a potential pathway to a "sustainable" future between the two nations.
However, the atmosphere soured after Zelenskyy expressed his deep mistrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing previous instances where Putin had allegedly violated agreements. Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, reportedly accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude for the substantial financial and military aid the U.S. has provided to Ukraine over the past two years, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader was in a "bad position" at the negotiating table.
Trump used a gambling analogy to express his concerns, telling Zelenskyy, "You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country."
The meeting also saw friction between Vance and Zelenskyy. Vance reportedly questioned Ukraine’s manpower and military recruiting efforts, to which Zelenskyy responded that war brings problems for everyone, even the United States, implying that the U.S. would inevitably feel the consequences of the conflict in the future. This comment drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who told Zelenskyy, "Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. You are in no position to dictate that, remember that."
The exchange between Vance and Zelenskyy continued with Vance questioning whether Zelenskyy had expressed gratitude during the meeting. Zelenskyy responded by accusing Vance of speaking "loudly." Trump then intervened, warning Zelenskyy that Ukraine was in "big trouble."
Despite the tense exchanges, Zelenskyy, when questioned about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, affirmed his belief that the U.S. was on Ukraine’s side and reiterated the critical importance of resisting Russian aggression. He also emphasized the significant role of European assistance in the conflict, a point that Trump countered by claiming that U.S. contributions were more substantial. Zelenskyy challenged that assertion, suggesting it wasn’t accurate.
Data regarding financial assistance to Ukraine indicates that the U.S. has committed significantly more aid. Congress has appropriated approximately $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The Kiel Institute, a German-based think tank, estimates that total European assistance to Ukraine between January 2022 and December 2024 amounts to roughly $138.7 billion, with the U.S. contributing $119.7 billion during that period.
Following his departure from the White House, Zelenskyy posted a message on X, expressing his gratitude to the United States for its support. "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that," he wrote.
Trump, speaking to reporters before leaving for Florida, acknowledged that the meeting "didn’t work out exactly great from [Zelenskyy’s] standpoint." He added, "I think he very much overplayed his hand. We’re looking for peace. We’re not looking for somebody that’s going to sign up as strong power and then not make peace because they feel emboldened. And that’s what I saw happening."
Trump emphasized his desire for a swift resolution to the conflict, stating, "I’m looking for peace. We’re not looking to go into a 10-year war and play games. We want peace. And it was just my impression that if we do that, if we sign up, he’s looking for something that I’m not looking for. He’s looking to go on and fight, fight, fight. We’re looking to end the death. Two-thousand people died this week."
When asked if he had asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House, Trump responded evasively, "I think you know the answer to it." He reiterated his desire to "get a deal done," adding, "And if the deal happens, good. But you can’t embolden somebody that does not have the cards. … We’re going to get the war done or let them go and see what happens. Let them fight it out."
The strained relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump has been building in recent weeks, particularly after U.S. officials met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on February 18 without Ukrainian representation. Zelenskyy responded to that meeting by stating, "Nobody decides anything behind our back." Subsequently, Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a series of public criticisms, with Zelenskyy accusing Trump of promoting Russian "disinformation" and Trump labeling Zelenskyy a "dictator" who had failed his country.
Interestingly, Trump appeared to soften his stance on Thursday when asked if he stood by his statement calling Zelenskyy a dictator. He responded, "Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that. Next question." Trump also told reporters that peace negotiations were in their final stages, although he cautioned against revealing details about a potential peacekeeping force until a deal was finalized.
"I think we’re very well advanced on a deal," Trump said. "But we have not made a deal yet. So, I don’t like to talk about peacekeeping until we have a deal. I like to get things done." Trump also expressed confidence that Putin would adhere to any peace agreement reached with Ukraine, stating, "I don’t believe he’s going to violate his word. I don’t think he’ll be back when we make a deal. I think the deal is going to hold now."
The collapse of the meeting and the subsequent cancellation of the minerals deal cast significant doubt on the immediate prospects for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Ukraine. The disagreements between Trump and Zelenskyy highlight the complex challenges involved in brokering a peace agreement and the differing perspectives on the role and responsibilities of various international actors.
