Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret on Tuesday over a tense Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need to mend ties between the two nations. His remarks came just hours after the White House announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine, a decision that has heightened concerns in Kyiv.

"Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive."

The pause in US military assistance comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which remains locked in its ongoing war with Russia. The Ukrainian government had been seeking a continued flow of US weapons and financial support, but the tense White House meeting has seemingly complicated the situation.

Ukraine Ready to Sign Rare-Earth Minerals Deal

Despite the diplomatic setback, Zelenskyy signaled Ukraine’s willingness to finalize a long-discussed deal on rare-earth minerals, which had been a key request from the Trump administration. The agreement is seen as a strategic move for both nations, strengthening US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources while reinforcing Ukraine’s security and economic stability.

"Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time and in any convenient format," Zelenskyy stated.
"We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively."

Rare-earth minerals play a crucial role in modern technology, including military equipment, electronics, and renewable energy systems. Ukraine’s rich deposits of these minerals make it an important potential partner for the US in reducing reliance on China for critical raw materials.

Tensions Over Military Aid and Security Commitments

The US-Ukraine relationship has faced growing tensions over the past months, particularly concerning ongoing American military and financial support. While the Biden administration had been a strong backer of Ukraine, Trump’s approach has been more skeptical, calling for greater accountability in how US funds are used.

Trump’s decision to pause military aid has raised concerns within Ukraine’s leadership, which sees continued US support as essential in its fight against Russia. The White House has not clarified whether the aid will resume soon or if new conditions will be imposed.

What’s Next?

With diplomatic ties under strain, Zelenskyy’s call for constructive dialogue suggests that Kyiv is eager to rebuild trust with the US and ensure that military assistance remains in place. Signing the rare-earth minerals agreement could be a strategic move to regain favor with Washington while also strengthening Ukraine’s long-term security.

As Ukraine navigates this delicate phase in its relationship with the US, all eyes will be on whether future negotiations can restore confidence and cooperation between the two allies.