Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House without signing a rare minerals deal following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
The meeting, which initially focused on a potential agreement for U.S. access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine, ended without an agreement.
Tensions rose when President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Russia, criticizing him for not showing sufficient appreciation for U.S. support.
Zelenskyy, in response, insisted on security guarantees as part of any ceasefire with Russia, a position that was met with criticism from Trump.
Ukraine has sought international support in its conflict with Russia, and the country’s rare earth mineral resources have been seen as an opportunity for economic collaboration.