Trump: Ukraine mineral deal not dead, but Zelensky ‘should be more appreciative’
Share and Follow


President Trump said Monday a proposed economic deal between the U.S. and Ukraine was still on the table, but he argued Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needed to be more “appreciative” of U.S. support.

Trump took questions from reporters on the heels of a confrontational meeting with Zelensky late last week after which Trump called off peace talks and an agreement for the U.S. to invest in Ukraine’s critical mineral supply went unsigned.

Asked if the deal was dead, Trump said, “I don’t think so.”

“It’s a great deal for us, because you know Biden very, very foolishly, stupidly, frankly, gave $300 billion … to a country to fight and to try and do things. And you know what happened? We get nothing.”

Asked what Zelensky needed to do to restart negotiations, Trump said the Ukrainian leader needed to express more gratitude for U.S. assistance.

“I just think he should be more appreciative, because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin,” Trump said. “We’ve given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us because as you know that’s right there.”

As of the end of fiscal 2024, Congress had approved nearly $183 billion in Ukraine aid, according to a federal government oversight office. The European Union has contributed roughly $145 billion in total assistance to Ukraine since the war began. 

Trump told reporters he had not yet discussed whether the U.S. would suspend continued aid for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Trump earlier in the day took issue with Zelensky saying the end of Ukraine’s war with Russia “is still very, very far away.” Moscow invaded Ukraine without provocation more than three years ago.

“He better not be right about that,” Trump said.

Zelensky arrived at the White House on Friday, where he was expected to meet with Trump and sign off on a deal that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral supply. Trump had touted the deal as a way for the U.S. to recoup some of the aid it had provided to Ukraine in its war against Russia, while boosting Ukraine’s economy in the long term.

But after roughly a half-hour of relatively cordial back-and-forth, the meeting devolved into chaos, with Trump and Vice President Vance accusing Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. support and of having little leverage in talks.

Trump has pushed for an end to the war in Ukraine, speaking with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He met last week with European allies from France and the United Kingdom, both of whom argued any peace deal had to have guarantees that guarded against future Russian aggression.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
California man allegedly crafted assassination list targeting federal officials in White supremacist plot

California man allegedly crafted assassination list targeting federal officials in White supremacist plot

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A California man who…
FAA partners with university in South to address nationwide air traffic controller shortage

FAA partners with university in South to address nationwide air traffic controller shortage

Aviation expert pulls back curtain on FAA chaos Greg Raiff, CEO of…
Kohberger judge says call-in campaigns 'highly inappropriate'

Judge Kohberger deems phone-in campaigns as ‘completely inappropriate’

() The judge presiding over the Bryan Kohberger trial has criticized individuals…
DOJ indicts suspect who went viral for delivering protective gear to anti-ICE protesters on live TV

DOJ indicts suspect who went viral for delivering protective gear to anti-ICE protesters on live TV

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A man who went…
Bryan Kohberger was 'smiling inside' as he admitted slaughter: Expert

Expert says Bryan Kohberger admitted slaughter with a smile on the inside

According to a body language expert, Bryan Kohberger seemed to show signs…
Live updates: Republicans tee up critical vote on Trump megabill over objections of Freedom Caucus

Current updates: Republicans prepare for important vote on large Trump bill despite opposition from the Freedom Caucus

The House returned to the floor Wednesday night after several hours in…
Chicago Pizza Pass deal launches with 25 restaurants, including Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Pizano's participating

Participating Restaurants in Chicago Pizza Pass Deal Include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, Pizano’s, and More

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Pizza Pass deal is now off and…
Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority strikes down 176-year-old abortion ban

Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Liberal Majority Overturns 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority struck down…