The head of the US Department of Finance Scott Bessent believes that Ukraine had to sign an important agreement on rare earth metals before President Vladimir Zelensky's visit to the United States. In an interview with TV presenter Tair Carlson, Bessent noted that the agreement was almost ready for signing at the end of March, but after controversy in the White House, President Zelensky "thwart" this process.
The US Finance Minister explained that this important contract could be a major step forward in cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. He noted that although Zelensky intended to sign the agreement several times, this did not happen. Bessent noted that the President of Ukraine got to the oval office, where he changed the situation and did not allow to sign a document that could be simple and useful for both countries. In his opinion, Ukraine had to conclude an agreement before the visit, and during the trip to the United States already discuss its details without unnecessary delays. According to Bessent, a deal with rare earth metals would be profitable for both the US and Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian side "persuaded" to visit the White House, hoping for a positive result.
However, political difficulties arise in the situation with this agreement. According to Politico, Trump is probably interested in Ukraine as a source of financial preferences, not as in a stable partner after the war. This can cause Ukraine to receive all the promised resources from the agreement.
