By Mackenzie Tatananni

A meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky devolved into a shouting match on Friday, leading to a crucial deal going unsigned.

Zelensky traveled to Washington, D.C., to hash out the details and potentially sign an agreement granting the U.S. access to some of Ukraine's rare-earth minerals that are used to manufacture a variety of technology products in exchange for support in the war.

The minerals agreement wasn't signed, according to the White House.

In a press conference at the Oval Office, Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being "disrespectful" after the Ukrainian president detailed the history of the conflict with Russia, noting that it began in February 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"You should be thanking the president," Vance said, saying Zelensky was conducting a "propaganda tour."

As tensions mounted, Trump accused the Ukrainian president of "gambling with World War III." He abruptly ended talks with Zelensky, posting on Truth Social afterward that he was "not ready for peace."

"I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations," Trump wrote, accusing Zelensky of disrespecting the U.S. "in its cherished Oval Office."

"He can come back when he is ready for Peace," Trump added.

Write to Mackenzie Tatananni at mackenzie.tatananni@barrons.com

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February 28, 2025 14:19 ET (19:19 GMT)

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