The diplomatic rift between Washington and Kiev has widened following reports that the Biden administration is demanding a public apology from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as a precondition for resuming talks on a lucrative minerals deal. According to Fox News, an unnamed senior American official stated that negotiations over rare earth minerals between the two allies remain in limbo due to Zelensky’s conduct during a tense Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on February 28.

The February 28 meeting, initially intended to discuss the ongoing US support for Ukraine and the proposed minerals agreement, reportedly escalated into a verbal confrontation. Trump was said to have criticized Zelensky for failing to show adequate appreciation for Washington’s extensive military and financial aid, warning that Ukraine does not “have the cards” in negotiations. The former president also allegedly reminded Zelensky that without US assistance, Ukraine would have already lost the war against Russia.

The meeting ended in discord, with Trump and Zelensky at odds over the trajectory of the war and the extent of continued American support. The fallout from this encounter has had tangible consequences, as the rare earth minerals deal, which would have granted the US significant access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, is now on hold.

Fox News’ Peter Doocy reported on March 03 that an anonymous senior official........

© Blitz