Zelensky and Trump Clash Over Minerals Deal and Security Guarantees

The Ukrainian president calls for stronger U.S. support after a contentious White House meeting ends without a signed agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S. but emphasized that it is only a first step toward securing peace and safety.
The proposed deal focuses on the extraction of Ukraine's rare-earth minerals, a resource critical for technology manufacturing, but remains unsigned after a heated exchange between Zelensky and President Donald Trump.
During the White House meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for the $180 billion in U.S. aid provided to Ukraine since the start of the war with Russia, leading to the meeting's abrupt end.
Zelensky warned that a ceasefire without firm security guarantees would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression from Russia, stressing the need for continued U.S. and allied support.
Despite the fallout, Zelensky expressed hope that the relationship with the U.S. could be repaired and the minerals deal finalized, framing it as a step toward achieving peace and stability.