Zelenskyy leaves White House without signing minerals deal after Oval Office blowup

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🗞️ Driving the news: A tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended in a public clash, with Trump berating Zelenskyy for being "disrespectful" and canceling a minerals deal
• The deal would have given the U.S. greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and was framed by Trump as a key step toward ending the war with Russia
• The confrontation raises uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine and the future of the conflict

🔭 The context: Zelenskyy sought assurances that the U.S. would continue to back Ukraine against Russia, while Trump expressed frustration over Ukraine’s approach to peace talks
• Vice President JD Vance rebuked Zelenskyy for questioning Russia’s commitment to diplomacy, escalating tensions
• Trump later stated he was “in the middle” of the conflict, criticizing Zelenskyy’s strong stance against Putin as an obstacle to negotiations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The canceled minerals deal could impact global supply chains for rare earth elements, which are crucial for clean energy technologies
• The dispute also casts doubt on continued U.S. support for Ukraine, potentially reshaping the geopolitical balance in Europe
• A weakened Ukraine could embolden Russia, affecting energy security and stability in the region
(see sustainability performance of mining companies like ArcelorMittal, BHP, Chevron Corporation)

⏭️ What's next: Trump declared Zelenskyy “not ready for peace” and suggested future U.S. support depends on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate with Russia
• Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not enter peace talks without security guarantees
• Democrats sharply criticized the administration, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump of "doing Putin’s dirty work"

💬 One quote: “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.” — President Donald Trump to Zelenskyy

📈 One stat: The U.S. has provided over $180 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the war

See here detailed sustainability performance of mining companies like ArcelorMittal, BHP, Chevron Corporation

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