Washington, March 1: Talks between the US and Ukraine to sign a deal on rare earth minerals appeared to have collapsed after a testy exchange between President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance on one side and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office,” President Trump said in a post on Truth Social after the testy exchange in the Oval Office.
“He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” he wrote.
Zelensky left the White House shortly after. There was no information if the deal was signed.
The two sides were expected to sign an agreement giving the US rights to Ukraine’s reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources in return for its contributions to Kyiv’s war efforts against Russia.
In the Oval Office exchange, President Trump told President Zelensky he holds “no cards” in the negotiations and that he should be more thankful.
Vance told Zelensky he should be more respectful of President Trump and all that he is trying to do for his country. (IANS)
