Washington, March 5 (NationPress) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has informed a media outlet that there are no intentions to finalize a mineral resources agreement with Ukraine following President Donald Trump's address to Congress.

After a tense discussion last week between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Zelensky has sought to improve the strained relations between the two nations.

Bessent's remarks come in light of earlier reports that Trump was set to announce the deal during his upcoming speech.

President Zelensky's visit to the White House on February 28 was meant to finalize the long-discussed agreement regarding the joint development of Ukraine's mineral resources.

The meeting, however, turned into a public dispute, with Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelensky. The Ukrainian President departed the White House without securing the agreement.

Zelensky expressed on Tuesday that it is time to "make things right" and has indicated readiness to sign the minerals agreement with the US, which was previously halted following the dispute with US leaders, according to sources.

However, Bessent refuted this by stating to Fox News, "There is no signing planned," as reported by journalist Jacqui Heinrich in a post on X.

This casts uncertainty on the future of the deal, which promises military assistance to Ukraine in exchange for access to its minerals.

Regarding the minerals and security agreement, Zelensky stated, "Ukraine is prepared to sign it anytime and in any format. We view this agreement as a step towards enhanced security and robust guarantees, and I sincerely hope it will be effective," in a post on X.

No formal confirmation of the deal has been provided by the Trump administration.

Nonetheless, four unnamed sources indicated to an international news outlet that the two nations intend to finalize the agreement.

Trump had conveyed to his advisors that he aimed to announce the deal during his address to Congress on Tuesday evening, as three sources cautioned that the agreement had yet to be signed and circumstances might alter.

In an effort to mend relations with the US after a contentious meeting with Trump and Vance, Zelensky took to X on Tuesday to reiterate Ukraine's dedication to peace.

After being accused of insufficient gratitude towards the support from the US President and Vice President in the Oval Office, Zelensky articulated that the nation values "how much America has done to assist Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and independence".

"And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are thankful for this," he added.

Describing the contentious exchange with US leaders as "regrettable", Zelensky remarked, "It is time to make things right. We desire future cooperation and communication to be constructive."

The Ukrainian President affirmed that he and his team are eager to collaborate with the Trump administration to establish lasting peace in their nation.

He proposed a plan that he termed the first stage to conclude the war, contingent upon Russia's willingness to reciprocate.

"The first stages could involve the release of prisoners and a ceasefire in the air – a ban on missiles, long-range drones, and bombs targeting energy and other civilian infrastructure – and an immediate ceasefire at sea," he stated.

"Then we aim to progress swiftly through all subsequent stages and work with the US to agree on a strong final deal," Zelensky concluded.