Zelensky's 'missteps' in mineral deal threaten US-Ukraine ties: Axios
3 Min Read
As Trump tries to deliver on his promise to quickly end the Russia-Ukraine war, negotiations have hit a rough patch.
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US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky talk during their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2025 (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
Axios on Friday reported that tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have reached a breaking point during peace negotiations with Russia, with Trump considering withdrawing American military support for Ukraine. The escalating conflict has alarmed European allies, who fear this could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed Trump's growing frustration with Zelensky, a relationship that has been strained since Trump's impeachment in 2019 over allegations that he pressured Zelensky to investigate Hunter Biden. Now, as Trump tries to deliver on his promise to quickly end the Russia-Ukraine war, negotiations have hit a rough patch.
Mineral Showdown
Five key incidents over nine days contributed to the tension. On February 12, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Zelensky in Kiev to offer US access to Ukrainian mineral rights in exchange for American protection. Trump later criticized Zelensky for being "rude" and delaying the meeting.
On February 14, at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought Zelensky's support for the mineral rights deal. Zelensky surprised them by stating he lacked the authority to approve the deal without parliamentary consent.
On February 15, Zelensky publicly rejected the proposal at the conference, calling it "not in the interests of a sovereign Ukraine," which contradicted his earlier positive comments on social media.
On February 18, Zelensky criticized peace talks held in Saudi Arabia between US and Russian officials, pointing out that Ukraine was excluded from the discussions. In response, Trump accused Zelensky of starting the war with Russia and claimed Zelensky's approval rating was only 4%.
The following day, on February 19, Zelensky fired back, stating that Trump "lives in a disinformation space." Trump escalated the conflict by mocking Zelensky as a "modestly successful comedian" who became a "dictator without elections."
Vice President Vance later condemned Zelensky's public criticism, stating, "He's attacking the only reason [Ukraine] exists, publicly, right now... It's disgraceful." White House insiders expressed frustration, accusing Zelensky of overestimating his influence due to former President Biden's unconditional support.
Read more: Trump to Ukraine: Pay $500 Billion or else
Despite the tension, negotiations continue, with a revised mineral rights deal under discussion as part of a peace settlement. However, the deal could require Ukraine to cede Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, prompting criticism that it amounts to a "mafia shakedown." A Trump administration official bluntly stated, "It's a sh*t sandwich... Ukraine is going to have to eat it because [Trump] has made clear this is no longer our problem."
