Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reveals Zelensky nixed Trump’s mineral deal twice prior to Oval Office blowup

A Diplomatic Misstep: Zelensky’s Refusal of the Minerals Deal

In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly refused to sign a minerals deal with the United States, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about diplomatic strategy. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Zelensky rejected the agreement not once, but twice, despite the potential benefits it could have brought to both nations. The deal, which would have exchanged billions of dollars in U.S. aid for rare earths and other critical resources from Ukraine, was seen as a significant opportunity for cooperation. However, Zelensky’s reluctance to move forward has been labeled by some as one of the greatest diplomatic missteps of his presidency.

Bessent, who recently met with Zelensky in Kyiv, revealed that the Ukrainian leader was unwilling to commit to the agreement, even when approached by high-ranking U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The tension came to a head during a meeting at the White House, where President Trump and Vance openly reprimanded Zelensky in front of reporters, with cameras capturing the awkward exchange. The incident was so tense that it led to the cancellation of a scheduled meeting between Zelensky and Trump, leaving many to wonder about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.

The Fallout: A Public Clash and Canceled Meeting

The clash between Zelensky and Trump during their meeting at the White House was nothing short of dramatic. In a rare display of public disagreement, Trump and Vance confronted Zelensky over his refusal to sign the minerals deal, leaving the room filled with tension. Bessent described the moment as a "soccer own goal," a term used in the sport to describe when a player accidentally scores against their own team. He expressed shock at Zelensky’s behavior, particularly his decision to air grievances in front of the world, a move that many deemed unwise and counterproductive.

The cancellation of the meeting was a clear indication of the depth of the disagreement. What was supposed to be a productive discussion turned into a public spectacle, leaving both sides scrambling to address the fallout. Bessent, who had hoped for a positive outcome, was instead left to reflect on what could have been a major diplomatic achievement. The incident has raised questions about Zelensky’s approach to international negotiations and his ability to navigate complex geopolitical relationships.

Reactions: A Divided Perspective on Zelensky’s Decision

The aftermath of the incident saw a flurry of reactions from key figures in U.S. politics. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri took to the social media platform X to express his frustration with Zelensky’s handling of the situation. According to Schmitt, Zelensky had the opportunity to sign the deal five days earlier but chose to wait for a meeting at the White House instead. The senator criticized Zelensky for being "difficult" and for prioritizing public arguments over behind-the-scenes diplomacy. "He had a one-foot putt but was more interested in litigating issues that should be discussed behind closed doors," Schmitt wrote, suggesting that Zelensky’s approach was both unstrategic and unwise.

On the other hand, Trump took to his Truth Social account to share his own thoughts on the meeting. In a cryptic but pointed message, Trump stated that Zelensky was "not ready for Peace," implying that the Ukrainian leader lacked the necessary mindset or preparation to engage in meaningful diplomacy. The statement added another layer of complexity to the situation, as it not only criticized Zelensky’s decision-making but also called into question his commitment to resolving ongoing conflicts.

Zelensky’s Response: A Focus on Peace and Cooperation

Despite the criticism, Zelensky remained defiant in his public statements, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to achieving "just and lasting peace." In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader thanked the United States for its support and reiterated his focus on working toward peace. "Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit," Zelensky wrote. "Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and