US Cancels Joint Press Conference and Lunch; Zelensky Exits White House

Washington, March 1 (NationPress) Negotiations between the United States and Ukraine regarding a deal on rare earth minerals seem to have faltered following a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance on one side, and President Volodymyr Zelensky on the other.

"We had a very significant meeting in the White House today. Much was gained that could never be understood without dialogue under such duress and pressure. It's remarkable what emerges through emotion, and I have concluded that President Zelensky is not prepared for Peace if America is involved, as he perceives our involvement as giving him a substantial edge in negotiations. I seek PEACE, not advantage. He showed a lack of respect for the United States in its esteemed Oval Office," President Trump stated in a post on Truth Social following the tense exchange in the Oval Office.

"He may return when he is ready for Peace," he added.

Zelensky departed the White House shortly thereafter, and it remains unclear whether the deal was finalized. A joint press conference that the two leaders were expected to hold was cancelled, along with the lunch that the Americans had arranged for the Ukrainian delegation.

The two parties were anticipated to sign an agreement granting the US rights to Ukraine's reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources in exchange for its contributions to Kyiv's war efforts against Russia.

During the Oval Office exchange, President Trump informed President Zelensky that he holds "no cards" in the negotiations and should express more gratitude.

Vance urged Zelensky to show more respect towards President Trump and all that he is attempting to do for his nation.

Vance went on to accuse the Ukrainian leader of supporting President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 US presidential elections.

The contentious exchange began with President Trump asserting to reporters that Zelensky harbors a certain "hatred" for Russia's President Vladimir Putin that complicates reaching a deal.

"He's filled with tremendous hatred, which I can comprehend," he remarked about Zelensky.

"But I can assure you the other side is precisely enamored with you; you know him, too. Thus, it's not a matter of alignment."

Vice-President Vance, present for his news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, interjected, advising Zelensky, "We attempted the approach of Joe Biden, of boasting and pretending that the words of the President of the United States carried more weight than his actions," implying that Biden's actions were insufficient.

"What defines America as a great nation is its engagement in diplomacy. That is what President Trump is pursuing."

Zelensky countered, pointing out that he had previously attempted that diplomatic route with Putin.

He recounted that agreements were signed with Russia after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014-15.

After the 2019 pact, he stated, he was informed: "he breached the ceasefire, he killed our people, and he failed to exchange prisoners. We ratified the prisoner exchange, but he did not follow through. What type of diplomacy, JD, are you referring to?"

"I'm talking about the kind of diplomacy that will halt the devastation of your nation," Vance retorted.

"But Mr. President, with all due respect, I believe it is disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and attempt to litigate this in front of the American media."

He continued, "You should be expressing gratitude to the President."

At one point, Zelensky accused Vance of speaking "loudly".

Trump interjected sharply.

"He's not speaking loudly. Your country is in significant trouble. You are not winning at all. You have a grim chance of succeeding."

President Trump continued, "You need to be more appreciative, as let me inform you, you do not hold the cards. With us, you possess the cards, but without us, you have none. It may be a challenging deal to finalize, as attitudes must shift."

At another juncture, when Zelensky attempted to defend Ukraine's situation amid the ongoing war, the US President remarked, "Do not dictate to us how we should feel. We are attempting to resolve a problem."

He admonished the Ukrainian President, stating, "You are gambling with World War Three, risking World War Three. What you are doing is exceptionally disrespectful to this nation, far more than many realize."

President Trump had looked forward to finalizing the minerals deal.

"It's a fantastic agreement for Ukraine as well, since they gain our presence there," President Trump remarked about the deal during his first Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

"We will be operating there. We will be on the ground. And you know, that ensures a form of automatic security because no one will dare interfere with our personnel while we are present."

President Trump has faced pressure from European leaders to guarantee security for Ukraine in any arrangement with Russia.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer have directly and publicly conveyed this message to President Trump during their visits and press engagements at the White House in recent days.

President Zelensky is expected to emphasize that core demand during his meeting with President Trump and may perhaps press him on it during their press interactions.

Marc Thiessen, a foreign policy analyst, expressed in an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Thursday, "The minerals deal serves as a security guarantee. Trump has made it clear that he will not deploy American troops to Ukraine. However, with this deal, he is sending something even better: American workers, bulldozers, and earthmovers."