The mineral deal, which was planned to be signed during a joint press conference at the White House on February 28th, would see the United States gain control over vast quantities of rare earth minerals located in Ukraine, in exchange for continued American support for the war effort.
Before the signing of the deal, reporters were given the opportunity to ask questions. Things quickly became tense, with Zelensky and Trump raising their voices at each other, and Vice President J.D. Vance stating that President Zelensky was 'ungrateful' and 'disrespectful'.
Following the escalation, President Trump reportedly ordered Zelensky to leave the White House, without the mineral deal being signed. The Ukrainian delegation was also forced to pay for their own stay, something which is highly unusual.
According to senior White House officials, the Trump administration is not satisfied by Zelensky's attempt to make amends, and the administration is demanding nothing short of a public apology, before the mineral deal can go ahead as planned. Zelensky has so far refused to do so.