US and Ukraine do not sign mineral agreement, President Trump threatens to withdraw, 'ball' is in Mr. Zelensky's feet

On February 28, Reuters news agency quoted a senior White House official as saying that the US and Ukraine did not sign a mineral agreement as originally planned.

US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky argued during a meeting at the White House on February 28. (Source: AFP)

In addition, the press conference between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky was also canceled.

The official said it was up to the Ukrainians whether to resume the deal, as Mr Zelensky is still in the US. President Trump did not rule out reaching a deal with Kiev, but only if the Eastern European country was ready for constructive dialogue.

Earlier that day, during a meeting at the White House, the two leaders had a heated argument, when Mr. Zelensky called on his American counterpart to be cautious with Russia, while Mr. Trump accused his counterpart of disrespect, exposing the simmering disagreements between the two sides.

The two presidents met in the Oval Office ahead of an expected signing of an agreement that would allow US participation in Ukraine's mineral industry.

However, Mr Zelensky has publicly criticised the White House boss's softer approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has disputed Mr Trump's claim that Ukrainian cities have been devastated by three years of conflict.

For his part, President Trump emphasized that Mr. Putin wanted to reach an agreement, and said that the Ukrainian President was "gambling with World War III".

In addition, Mr. Trump warned that either the Ukrainian leader needs to reach an agreement, or the US will withdraw.

Earlier, also during the meeting, President Trump said that a ceasefire agreement with Russia was "pretty close" and that an agreement allowing the US to exploit Ukraine's natural resources would be "very fair".

For his part, Ukrainian President Zelensky said there should be "no compromise" with Russian President Vladimir Putin while the parties are negotiating to end the conflict.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-va-ukraine-khong-ket-thoa-thuan-khong-san-tong-thong-trump-doa-rut-lui-bong-dang-o-chan-ong-zelensky-305985.html