White House demands public apology from Zelensky before resuming minerals deal talks

The White House has made it clear that negotiations on a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine will not proceed until President Volodymyr Zelensky issues a formal, public apology for his behavior during last Friday’s tense Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, according to a report from Fox News.

Zelensky’s Behavior Derails Critical US-Ukraine Agreement

For weeks, U.S. and Ukrainian officials had been working toward an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources—a deal seen as mutually beneficial for both nations. However, the negotiations came to a sudden halt after Zelensky’s heated and disrespectful conduct at the White House.

According to Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, a senior U.S. official revealed that no further discussions would take place until Zelensky makes a public apology for his behavior in front of the cameras.

"There’s quite a disconnect happening here at the White House with their allies in Kiev," Doocy reported. "I have been told by a senior official here that nothing’s gonna happen with this minerals deal until Zelensky goes in front of cameras and makes an explicit public apology for the way that he behaved… in the Oval Office."

Zelensky’s Defiance and Washington’s Frustration

Despite the White House’s firm stance, Zelensky has shown no signs of backing down. Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, the Ukrainian leader expressed his willingness to continue a "constructive dialogue" with Washington and sign the agreement. However, when pressed by Fox News about whether he would apologize, Zelensky bluntly responded that he did not feel he owed Trump and Vance any apology.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced Washington’s position, stating that Zelensky should apologize "for wasting our time... [and] turning this thing into the fiasco for him that it became."

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz also weighed in on the matter, describing Zelensky as the “problem” due to his unwillingness to engage in serious peace talks.

"Time is not on his side. Time is not on the side of just forever continuing this conflict," Waltz warned, highlighting concerns that Zelensky's personal or political motivations may be preventing progress toward peace.

Trump’s Leadership: A Clear Path to Peace

The fallout from Friday’s meeting stems from a heated confrontation between Trump and Zelensky, during which the Ukrainian leader's defiant attitude clashed with Trump’s firm, no-nonsense approach to diplomacy.

During the tense exchange, Trump reminded Zelensky of the immense support the U.S. has provided and warned that Ukraine was “gambling with World War III” by refusing to approach peace talks seriously.

"You don’t have the cards right now," Trump told Zelensky. "With us, you start having cards, but right now… you’re gambling with the lives of millions of people."

Vice President J.D. Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments, making it clear that America’s support should not be taken for granted.

White House officials, including Rubio and Waltz, eventually ended the negotiations and instructed Zelensky to leave, reinforcing the administration’s stance that peace is the priority, not endless conflict.

International Reactions: Calls for De-escalation

The political fallout from the White House meeting has drawn international attention. French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly urged both Trump and Zelensky to “de-escalate” tensions and work toward a diplomatic solution.

However, the message from Washington remains firm: The U.S. expects respect, gratitude, and a serious commitment to peace—and Zelensky will need to acknowledge his mistakes if he wants to move forward in partnership with the Trump administration.

Final Thoughts: Trump’s America First Diplomacy

President Donald Trump has made it clear that his administration will not tolerate gamesmanship or empty rhetoric when it comes to diplomacy. His America First approach is focused on securing peace, protecting American interests, and ensuring that allies respect the support they receive from the U.S. By holding Zelensky accountable, Trump is sending a strong message: America is willing to help—but only if its allies demonstrate respect, responsibility, and a willingness to engage in real solutions.

As negotiations remain in limbo, the next move belongs to Zelensky—and whether he will choose to repair relations with Washington or continue down a path of defiance remains to be seen.