Trump Hits Out at Zelenskyy Over Rare Earth Deal Dispute

Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of walking away from a key minerals agreement.

“We Made a Deal — Now He Wants to Renegotiate”

Trump told reporters, “We made a deal on rare earths, and now he’s saying, ‘well, you know, I want to renegotiate the deal.’”

Trump Issues Sharp Warning

“If he backs out of that deal, he’s got problems. Big, big problems,” Trump said, suggesting serious consequences for Ukraine if the agreement collapses.

NATO Membership? “He Was Never Getting That”

Trump added: “He wants to be a member of NATO. Well, he was never going to be a member. He understands that.” The rare earth deal, he implied, was part of a broader political understanding.

Tensions Behind the Scenes

The deal was expected to be signed during Zelenskyy’s planned White House visit on February 28 — a visit that was abruptly canceled after a heated confrontation.

Oval Office Fallout

According to reports, Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized Zelenskyy during the lead-up to the meeting, accusing him of being ungrateful for years of U.S. support.

A Rare Public Rift

The incident marked one of the most visible breakdowns in U.S.-Ukraine relations in recent years — with sharp words exchanged on both sides behind closed doors.

Zelenskyy’s Apology Letter

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently revealed that Zelenskyy sent a letter apologizing for how the Oval Office exchange unfolded.

Zelenskyy: “We’re Ready to Sign”

Despite the friction, Zelenskyy later said Ukraine remains ready to sign a security and minerals agreement with the U.S. at any time.

Deal Seen as Step Toward Greater Security

Ukrainian officials view the rare earth and security deal as a key step toward strengthening national defense and securing deeper cooperation with the U.S.

Strategic Stakes Are High

Rare earth minerals are vital for defense, tech, and clean energy industries, making the deal critical for both countries’ strategic interests.

Where Things Stand Now

As of now, no new signing date has been announced. The fate of the rare earth deal and the tone of U.S.-Ukraine relations remains uncertain.