The administration of US President Donald Trump and Ukraine are preparing to sign an agreement on critical minerals, Reuters reports, citing its sources.
In an unprecedented meeting on 28 February, Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vance clashed in the Oval Office. Their meeting, initially intended to finalize a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, devolved into a heated argument. Trump criticized Zelenskyy for perceived disrespect and lack of gratitude for US support, while Zelenskyy sought assurances on continued American backing and security guarantees in peace talks with Russia. The meeting ended abruptly without the signing of the minerals agreement.
“President Donald Trump has told his advisers that he wants to announce the agreement in his address to Congress Tuesday evening, three of the sources said, cautioning that the deal had yet to be signed and the situation could change,” the report said.
On 4 March, US President Donald Trump cut off all US military assistance to Ukraine following a confrontational Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week.
Under the former Biden administration, the US provided Ukraine with more than $66 billion in military aid and weapons since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, leaving about $3.85 billion in congressionally authorized funding unspent. Since taking office in January, Trump has not approved any new aid packages for Ukraine.
Trump suspends all military aid to Ukraine, pressuring Zelenskyy on peace talks
Military analysts suggest Ukraine could sustain its current fighting pace for several weeks, perhaps until early summer, before the US pause begins to have a major effect.
Related:
- Estonia calls for Europe to fill US military aid gap to Ukraine
- Trump suspends all military aid to Ukraine, pressuring Zelenskyy on peace talks
- VP Vance: Peace talks possible if Zelenskyy willing to negotiate seriously
- European powers shift stance on frozen Russian asset seizure
- Senior adviser: US aid pause would be “crippling” for Ukraine
- Trump administration drafting Russian sanctions relief proposal – Reuters