Zelenskyy shouts at U.S. Treasury Secretary over rare earths deal, FT says

The Financial Times reports this, citing a source present at the meeting.

"He was very angry," the source told FT, describing how Zelenskyy shouted in a "gravelly" voice behind the heavy doors of his Kyiv office.

According to senior Ukrainian officials, Bessent demanded that Zelenskyy sign the deal immediately, but the Ukrainian leader refused. Former U.S. President Donald Trump later criticized Kyiv, claiming that Bessent was treated “rather rudely” and “came back empty” after a long train ride,  calling it a "dangerous trip."

Rare earth minerals deal: background

In early February, Trump said he wanted to trade U.S. aid for access to Ukrainian rare earth elements.

Zelenskyy initially expressed willingness to sign the deal.

The Trump administration proposed that Ukraine hand over 50% ownership of rare earth minerals and allow U.S. troops to be stationed in the country to protect them — part of a broader deal to end the war with Russia.

On February 16, reports emerged that the U.S. was also pushing for control over a broader range of Ukrainian resources, including lithium, graphite, and uranium, often mistaken for rare earth minerals.

Later, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remained interested in the deal but needed security guarantees before signing.

On February 20, Trump accused Ukraine of disrupting the agreement.