US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recounted a tense discussion at the White House when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was present. During an interview with contentious journalist Tucker Carlson, he criticized Zelenskyy for not signing the subsoil agreement.
Bessent stated that he reached the Oval Office and ruined what should have been the simplest deal ever.
The treasury secretary claims that Zelenskyy reportedly made three promises to sign the deal but failed to do so each time.
"Zelenskyy was inclined to sign the agreement that day. After an animated conversation, I told him, 'There are 50 journalists present outside. My point is to demonstrate that there’s no gap between the American public, the Russian public—excuse me—the Ukrainian public, as well as between our leaders and yours. How should we address this audience?' Zelenskyy responded, ‘Inform them that I will be signing the deal at Munich.’ However, he did not end up signing it there," Bessent lamented.
As stated by the treasury secretary, all preparations were complete for the agreement signing between Ukraine and the US.
In the course of the interview, Carlson questioned why Zelenskyy had appeared resistant towards US officials from his perspective. Bessent replied, “He was a performer with a sort of vaudeville style. He was just an average citizen who found himself in extraordinary circumstances, stepped up magnificently, acted heroically, and as far as I’m concerned, remains trapped under immense stress.”
Bessent additionally pointed out that "the individuals surrounding him might not be providing the finest counsel, and even his advisors have their flaws."
The Treasury Secretary highlighted that the minerals pact would prove advantageous for both nations and voiced optimism about its imminent signing.
He further mentioned that the Ukrainian technical team is anticipated to arrive early next week, and Bessent is hopeful that they will endorse this agreement, thereby restoring a mutually advantageous scenario.
Trump and Zelenskyy's dispute
On March 28, Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to the White House for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. They talked in the Oval Office when an intense argument erupted among Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance.
The conflict centered on the war and allegations that Ukraine failed to show sufficient appreciation for American aid.
After the confrontation, Zelenskyy departed from the White House without finalizing the expected minerals pact.
The European allies supported Zelenskyy, causing Trump to become enraged as he felt that the Ukrainian president ought to have resolved the issue himself. Eventually, however, tensions were eased.