Fri Feb 21 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## US-Ukraine Rift Deepens Over Mineral Deal and Trump’s Criticism

**Kyiv, Ukraine –** Tensions between the United States and Ukraine escalated Thursday following the cancellation of a joint press conference and a sharp rebuke from a top US official. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reconsider a rejected proposal for a critical minerals deal in exchange for US wartime aid.

The deal, which would grant the US a share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth to offset the cost of aid, was rejected by Zelenskyy on Wednesday due to a perceived lack of specific US security guarantees. Waltz, speaking at a press briefing, stated that President Trump is “very frustrated” with Zelenskyy’s refusal to renegotiate and called for a return to the negotiating table.

The planned press conference featuring Zelenskyy and US envoy Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg was downgraded to a private meeting at the request of the US. While both sides described the meeting as “productive,” no details on the outcome were released. Zelenskyy later reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a comprehensive security and investment agreement with the US.

The strained relations are further complicated by President Trump’s recent disparaging remarks about Zelenskyy, referring to him as a “dictator” and blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war. These comments, which drew condemnation from European leaders, prompted a retort from Zelenskyy, who accused Trump of operating within a “disinformation space.” Waltz criticized Kyiv’s response, deeming the “insults to President Trump” unacceptable.

Adding fuel to the fire, Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s approach, calling him an “effective negotiator” and suggesting that a potential peace deal with Russia is on the horizon. Trump’s administration has recently engaged in talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, a move that represents a significant shift in US foreign policy. The escalating tensions leave the future of US-Ukraine relations uncertain as the two nations grapple with the complexities of the ongoing war and a growing rift between their leaders.

Read More