In the room where it happened: Trump advisers recall what led up to Oval Office confrontation
President Trump’s advisers remained unsure on Saturday morning how to conduct a mining agreement with Ukraine, which aims to serve as a key first step in Trump’s strategy to ultimately secure a ceasefire and peace deal between Moscow and Kiev.
Originally a formal meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, a confidence-building step towards a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine – Turns into hatredwith accusations and accusations.
The President’s closest adviser – shocked After the Oval Office crash – Sources familiar with the event told CBS News, huddling over a rectangular table in the cabinet room for lunch.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles were joined by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina as the group rehashed what had just transparent.
Their characteristics of Zelenskyy the president, which they described as an source, are incredible. Another official said if Zelenskyy kept the disagreement behind the closed back, explode It won’t happen.
At the controversial meeting, Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance made positive attitudes towards Zelenskyy, sometimes skeptical of Zelenskyy’s attitude because he was about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would violate the ceasefire deal, including the peace agreement, including the Minsk Agreementuntil Russia invades Ukraine in 2022.
In the hours of demanding Rubio and Waltz’s request to leave the White House, there was a shared press conference scrapped – about whether Ukrainian leaders should inform him on Friday’s strategy. CBS News has commented with Ukrainian officials.
Some of the frustrations of Trump’s team targeted Andriy Yermak, chief adviser for Zelenskyy, who believe have ruined negotiations in recent days. Others said they weren’t sure it was a consultant question.
This is not a conflict between Zelenskyy and his American counterparts. Sources familiar with the call told CBS News that President Biden once hung on Zelenskyy. Friction remains private, officials insist that the dispute is about policy-not fundamental facts, such as which country wages war.
In recent days, there have been signs Billions of dollars in key mineral transactions Probably not implemented. Neither side signed preliminary paperwork, usually before an economic agreement of this scale.
On Friday morning, Graham, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobochar of Minnesota, and others met with Zelenskyy privately at Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C., who advised Zelenskyy to avoid controversy, say thank you, and sign the deal without changes and sign the room.
Some Trump advisers are nervous that the deal may be heading south before the etiquette is signed, but they feel confident when Mr. Trump greets Zelenskyy. Sources said they view it as a guarantee of economic security, a joint investment between the United States and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has called on the West for a ceasefire and post-war security assurances that are not explicitly included in the mineral agreement. In Kiev last month, Finance Minister Bessent described the agreement as the basis of a larger peace agreement, as well as an economic partnership provided by the “long-term security shield for all Ukrainians” in the event of a conflict. However, the deal itself is not a ceasefire or a peace agreement. Bessent described it as a very strong signal of Russia’s leadership promised to the United States.
Kiev had hoped for security assurances that would ensure that the U.S. commitments helped maintain long-term peace and prevent a renewed Russian invasion.
The White House is expected to finalize a version of Friday’s deal, which is basically the same as the Bassman who submitted to Kiev to Kiev in mid-February. One amendment: Removed a provision that would have a cap of $500 billion on the value of minerals provided by Ukraine. People in Ukraine say the change was carried out at Ukraine’s request, as Zelensky dislikes the narrative of Ukraine’s reimbursement for past aid.
“We’re trying to justify them,” said a Trump adviser. Trump’s team privately discussed how they prefer the new version because it means a deal is worth more than originally thought.
The Mineral Agreement is a concept circulated by Graham as a way to build new, mutually beneficial relationships. Zelenskyy introduced it to Mr. Trump at a meeting at the Trump Tower in September.
But on Friday, staff quietly removed the formal ceremony setting from the east room – a conference table and two podiums, as well as two sets of binding machines with unsigned documents.
Zelenskyy on Saturday Arrive in London Meet with sympathetic European allies. There is no plan to speak again by Mr. Trump and Zelenskyy.
At the same time, the United States remains Ukraine’s most important military and financial supporter in the war against Russian aggression. $3.85 billion of military equipment has been designated to be shipped to Ukraine, and it is not clear whether Mr. Trump still clears it for delivery.
“They are lucky,” a senior U.S. official told CBS News.
As for any further U.S. support provided by the Republican-led Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson recently said that it has no appetite.
