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By Barney Henderson
Content Director
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday described his heated exchange with Donald Trump at the White House as "regrettable," signaling a push to mend ties after Washington announced a freeze on military aid to Kyiv.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy acknowledged tensions during Friday's Oval Office meeting, calling for a reset in bilateral relations.
"Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to," Zelensky wrote. "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."
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What to Know
Zelensky signaled Ukraine's willingness to move forward on an agreement involving its rare-earth minerals, a deal Trump officials had pressed for during the previous administration.
"Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time and in any convenient format," Zelensky stated. "We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively."
Why It Matters
The comments came just hours after the Trump administration confirmed a pause on military assistance to Ukraine—an announcement that sent shockwaves through Kyiv as the country continues to fend off Russia's invasion.
The rare-earth minerals deal could prove pivotal for both nations as Ukraine seeks stronger security assurances and the U.S. looks to secure critical resources. However, with military aid now in limbo, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations remains uncertain.
During Friday's meeting, Trump berated Zelensky for being "disrespectful" in an extraordinary Oval Office meeting, then abruptly called off the signing of the minerals deal.
It's unclear what the blowup could mean for the deal that Trump insisted was essential to repay the U.S. for the more than $180 billion in American aid sent to Kyiv since the start of the war. And it remains to be seen what, if anything, Trump wants Zelensky to do to get the deal back on track.
The Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House by top Trump advisers shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain.
"You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have," Trump told Zelensky.
What People Are Saying
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to the Ukrainian leader Tuesday and "welcomed President Zelensky's steadfast commitment to securing peace."
What Happens Next?
The pause in U.S. aid isn't expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have slowed Russian advances along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, especially in the fiercely contested Donetsk region in the east. The Russian onslaught has been costly in troops and armor but hasn't brought a strategically significant breakthrough for the Kremlin.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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