The deal regarding minerals is currently not under discussion, according to Bessent.

The investment deal aimed at securing access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals is currently not under discussion. It was supposed to be signed, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly decided to sabotage the agreement.

This was stated by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing CNN.

It should be noted that on Friday, there was a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. During their interaction with journalists, a dispute arose between the leaders regarding their differing views on the situation of the war in Ukraine. Subsequently, the signing ceremony for the deal was canceled, and the Ukrainian leader left the White House.

"I don't know what President Zelensky was thinking. On Monday, we had French President Emmanuel Macron – it was a great meeting. On Thursday, we had Prime Minister (of the UK) Keir Starmer – it was a fantastic meeting. They all supported the peace agreement process. All Zelensky had to do was come and sign this economic agreement, thereby reaffirming the complete unity between the Ukrainian and American peoples. But he chose to destroy all of that," Bessent stated.

When asked for clarification on whether the deal is still on the agenda and if it is being discussed now, the U.S. Treasury Secretary replied, "Not at this time."

CNN reminds us that after the tumultuous meeting on Friday, Trump posted on his social media that Zelensky could return to the White House "when he is ready for peace."

Continuing his statement, Bessent said, "We need to understand" whether the Ukrainian president wants to move forward.

"What is the point of an economic agreement that will become invalid if he wishes for the fighting to continue? President Trump wants a peace agreement," the Secretary added.

It is worth noting that yesterday, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Voltz stated that following the quarrel between Trump and Zelensky, the American side unanimously decided to halt negotiations with the Ukrainian leader. The Trump administration indicated that any further interaction would be rolled back.