US-Ukraine mineral deal fails after presidential dispute

In addition, the press conference between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky was also canceled after a "dispute" between the two leaders.

The US side said that whether the agreement is signed or not depends on Ukraine, as Mr. Zelensky is still in the US. According to the source, President Trump did not rule out reaching an agreement with Ukraine, but stressed that this would only happen if Ukraine was ready for a constructive dialogue.

Earlier, during a meeting at the White House on February 28 (local time), the two leaders had an "argument" - according to Reuters, when Mr. Zelensky urged Mr. Trump to be cautious with Russia, while the US leader expressed dissatisfaction with his partner's attitude. The two leaders met in the Oval Office before the expected signing of an agreement allowing the US to participate in the mineral industry in Ukraine. However, Mr. Zelensky publicly criticized the White House owner's soft approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For his part, President Trump stressed that Mr. Putin wanted to reach a deal. In addition, Mr. Trump warned that either the Ukrainian leader needed to reach a deal, or the United States would withdraw.

After the meeting, the Ukrainian President immediately left the White House. Meanwhile, on the social network Truth Social, President Trump said that Mr. Zelensky was not ready for peace. According to President Trump, the US involvement could make the Ukrainian leader feel like he has a big advantage in negotiations. However, what the US wants is peace. The White House owner affirmed that President Zelensky can return when he is ready.

The two sides were originally scheduled to sign a mineral exploitation agreement. The draft agreement stipulates that Ukraine would contribute 50% of “all revenues generated from the future exploitation of all natural resource assets owned by the Government of Ukraine” to a reconstruction fund jointly owned and managed by the United States and Ukraine. The draft agreement does not name the assets involved, but says it would include mineral deposits, oil, natural gas and other extracted materials, as well as other infrastructure such as LNG plants and ports.