Donald Trump has turned up the heat on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning him against backing out of a rare earth minerals agreement.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump accused Zelensky of attempting to renegotiate the deal and made it clear that doing so could lead to severe consequences.
“He’s trying to back out of the rare earth deal,” Trump stated.
“And if he does that, he’s got some problems. Big, big problems.”
The agreement in question would grant American companies expanded access to Ukraine’s rich deposits of critical minerals—resources that are vital to modern technology and defense industries.
However, the deal, initially set to be finalized during Zelensky’s White House visit, ended in discord, with both leaders clashing in a tense exchange in front of television cameras.
NATO Membership and Strategic Disputes
Trump also suggested that Zelensky’s push for better security guarantees was a key factor in the dispute.
Specifically, he dismissed the idea that Ukraine could ever become a NATO member, despite previous U.S. support for the country’s post-war pathway to the alliance.
“He wants to be a member of NATO,” Trump said.
“Well, he was never going to be a member of NATO. He understands that.”
This stance marks a dramatic shift from the Biden administration’s approach, which had supported Ukraine’s NATO ambitions.
Trump, however, has long argued that such promises only fuel the conflict without offering real protection for Kyiv.
Frustration with Both Sides
While Trump has often expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, his remarks on Sunday indicated frustration with both Moscow and Kyiv.
He criticized Putin for stalling peace negotiations, while also accusing Zelensky of bad-faith tactics regarding the minerals deal.
His comments come at a critical moment, as Ukraine faces intensified Russian attacks.
Over the weekend, Russian drones struck a military hospital and residential areas in Kharkiv, leaving multiple casualties.
Ukrainian officials have warned that Moscow is using ceasefire negotiations as a smokescreen while preparing for a new offensive.
Despite these concerns, Trump continued to express confidence in his ability to broker a deal.
“We’re making a lot of progress,” he told reporters, though he acknowledged the deep-seated animosity between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
Balancing Praise and Criticism
Trump’s relationship with Putin remains a topic of intense scrutiny.
While he voiced frustration over the Russian leader’s delays in peace talks, he also defended their long-standing rapport.
“I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word,” Trump said.
“I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve always gotten along well.”
However, Trump also hinted at the possibility of new sanctions against Russia, including additional financial penalties and tariffs targeting its oil exports.
This marks a rare instance where the former president has openly discussed increasing pressure on Moscow.
The Road Ahead
As Ukraine continues to fight off Russian aggression, Trump’s warning to Zelensky adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
The rare earth minerals agreement is not just an economic issue—it’s a strategic imperative for the U.S.
“If he reneges on that deal,” Trump said of Zelensky, “we’ll see just how tough things can get.”
With ceasefire negotiations hanging by a thread and tensions between global leaders at an all-time high, the question remains—how will this standoff unfold in the coming weeks?