How Trump-Vance-Zelenskyy dispute led to the collapse of a critical mineral deal: What’s at stake?

Donald Trump’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House ended abruptly after tensions flared over Ukraine president not being "grateful" for US aid during its war against Russia. The meeting, which was meant to finalise the critical minerals deal, instead became a contentious battle, ultimately leading to Zelenskyy’s early departure without signing the deal.
The encounter began on a formal note, with Trump expressing optimism about ending the conflict. “We’re going to sign the agreement at the conference in the East Room in a little while right after lunch,” Trump said. “The really exciting moment is when they stop the shooting, or we end up with a deal. And I think we're fairly close to getting that.”

Zelenskyy responded cautiously, thanking Trump for the invitation and stating that the agreement would be a “first step to real security guarantees for Ukraine.” However, he also stressed the need for continued US support, an issue that became a sticking point in the discussions that followed.
A White House official, speaking anonymously to news agency AP, confirmed that Zelenskyy and his delegation were asked to leave early after a heated exchange in the Oval Office.
Reports suggest Trump was attempting to pressure the Ukrainian leader into securing US access to Ukraine’s critical mineral wealth in exchange for further support in the war. Scott Bessent, a key negotiator in the minerals deal, later accused Zelenskyy of showing “disrespect of the American people.”

As Zelenskyy left the White House, his SUV was seen pulling up to the West Wing exit, escorted by protocol officers. The planned press conference and signing ceremony were abruptly cancelled, further highlighting the diplomatic fallout. Trump, however, appeared unfazed, remarking as the meeting broke up, “This is going to be great television.”

The agreement in question would have provided the US access to Ukraine’s rich reserves of critical minerals, essential for industries such as artificial intelligence, defence, and clean energy. The US department of the interior has classified 50 minerals as strategically important, and Ukraine holds more than 20 of them. These include titanium, vital for aerospace manufacturing, and lithium, crucial for battery technology.
Trump had long pushed for an agreement to secure these resources, despite his scepticism of green energy policies. His administration initially proposed that Ukraine use its mineral wealth to repay $500 billion in military aid, a demand that was later softened. The revised deal, which Zelenskyy had been expected to sign, instead established a joint investment fund. Under the terms, Ukraine would contribute 50% of revenues from newly developed mineral assets, oil, and natural gas into the fund. The aim was to attract private sector investment and support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
However, the deal did not include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine, a key demand from Kyiv. “This agreement could be part of future security guarantees,” Zelenskyy remarked before his White House visit. “An agreement is an agreement, but we need to understand the broader vision.”
Trump, meanwhile, had made it clear that securing mineral access was a priority. “It is a big commitment from the United States,” he said. “The US has little of the rare earth minerals that are abundant in Ukraine, and those resources will support uses here including artificial intelligence and military weapons.” He also suggested that Ukraine’s access to military support was conditional on the agreement.
The International Energy Agency estimated the market for energy transition minerals had reached £320 billion in 2022, doubling in value over five years. As demand continues to rise, Ukraine’s resources remain a key geopolitical asset.
The fallout from the failed meeting raises questions about the future of US-Ukraine relations, particularly with Trump’s apparent reluctance to offer unconditional support. For Zelenskyy, securing international backing remains an urgent priority as the war continues.