Zelensky Expresses Gratitude to the US, Urges for 'Just and Lasting Peace'

Washington, March 1 (NationPress) The discussions between the US and Ukraine regarding an agreement on rare earth minerals seem to have faltered following a tense exchange involving President Donald Trump, Vice-President J D Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.

“Today, we had a significant meeting at the White House. A lot was revealed that could not have been understood without dialogue amidst such intense pressure. It's remarkable what emerges through emotion, and I have concluded that President Zelensky is not yet prepared for Peace if America is part of the equation, as he perceives our involvement as giving him a considerable advantage 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 heated exchange.

“He can return when he is ready for Peace,” he added.

Zelensky departed the White House shortly thereafter.

There was no confirmation regarding the signing of the deal.

A joint press conference that the two leaders were expected to hold was canceled, along with the lunch that the Americans had planned for the Ukrainian delegation.

Later, Zelensky attempted to mitigate the fallout.

“Thank you, America, for your support, and for this visit. I appreciate @POTUS, Congress, and the American people,” he posted on X.

“Ukraine requires a just and lasting peace, and we are committed to achieving that.”

It was unclear whether he was attempting to mend relations with his country’s primary benefactor in its war efforts or if he was simply reaffirming his position that he desires a just and lasting peace.

The two parties were expected to finalize an agreement granting the US rights to Ukraine’s reserves of rare earth minerals and other natural resources in exchange for its support in Kyiv’s conflict with Russia.

During the exchange in the Oval Office, President Trump told President Zelensky he holds “no cards” in the negotiations and advised him to express more gratitude.

Vance suggested Zelensky should show more respect for President Trump and his efforts for Ukraine.

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

The tense interaction began with President Trump informing reporters that President Zelensky harbors a certain “hatred” for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, which complicates his ability to reach an agreement.

“He harbors immense hatred, and I understand that,” he remarked regarding Zelensky.

“But I can assure you, the other side is quite fond of you; you know him as well. So it’s not a matter of alignment.”

Vice-President Vance interjected during the press conference in the Oval Office, stating to Zelensky, “We explored the path of Joe Biden, boasting and pretending that the President of the United States’ words held more weight than his actions,” implying Biden’s actions were insufficient.

“What makes America a great nation is its engagement in diplomacy. That’s what President Trump is doing.”

Zelensky countered, indicating he had previously tried that diplomatic approach with Putin.

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

Following the 2019 agreement, he noted, “I was informed that he violated the ceasefire, he killed our people, and he didn’t exchange prisoners. We agreed to exchange prisoners, but he failed to do so. What sort of diplomacy, JD, are you referring to?”

“I’m referring to the kind of diplomacy that will put an end to the destruction of your country,” Vance retorted.

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

He further added, “You should be expressing gratitude to the President.”

At one point, Zelensky accused Vance of speaking “loudly.”

Trump responded sharply, “He’s not speaking loudly. Your country is in serious trouble. You’re not winning at all. You have a minimal chance of winning.”

President Trump continued, “You need to be more grateful because, let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you possess none. It may be a challenging deal to negotiate because attitudes must shift.”

When Zelensky tried to defend Ukraine’s stance amidst the ongoing war, the US President interjected, “Don’t instruct us on how we should feel. We are trying to resolve a problem.”

He admonished the Ukrainian President, stating, “You are gambling with World War Three, gambling with World War Three. What you are doing is incredibly disrespectful to this nation, far more than many people acknowledge.”

President Trump had anticipated the signing of the minerals deal.

“It’s a tremendous deal for Ukraine as well, as they will get our presence there,” President Trump remarked about the agreement during the first meeting of his Cabinet on Thursday.

“We’ll be operating over there. And that way, it provides a form of automatic security because no one will dare to interfere with our personnel when we’re present.”

President Trump has faced pressure from European leaders to ensure that security guarantees for Ukraine are included in any agreement with Russia.

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

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

Foreign policy expert Marc Thiessen wrote 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 will send something more valuable: American workers, bulldozers, and earthmovers.”