Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed in an unique interview with Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle that that is the third time Zelensky has refused to signal a mineral settlement, leaving U.S. officers surprised.
Bessent, who has been instrumental in facilitating financial partnerships between the U.S. and Ukraine underneath President Trump’s administration, detailed how Zelensky’s erratic conduct has put crucial negotiations in jeopardy.
The settlement, which might have secured billions in U.S. assist in trade for entry to Ukraine’s uncommon earth minerals, was anticipated to cement a stronger financial and strategic alliance between the 2 nations.
“This must be one of many biggest diplomatic mishaps of all time by President Zelensky,” Bessent acknowledged throughout his interview.
He recounted how Zelensky initially refused to signal the deal throughout a direct assembly with him in Kyiv. Subsequently, Zelensky dodged related negotiations with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Laura Ingraham:
I do know you had an financial assembly scheduled a number of weeks again with President Zelensky. Inform us about his arrival and punctuality—or lack thereof. It appeared like he was a little bit sleepy through the occasions.Scott Bessent:
Yeah, Laura. I went all the best way to Kyiv as a result of I assumed it was necessary. President Trump despatched me there to, once more, deliver the Ukrainian individuals nearer to the U.S. and ship a powerful sign to Russian management that we not solely shared values however now shared financial pursuits. It was additionally a sign to the American people who their tax {dollars} had been really going to work.As an alternative, President Zelensky and I had a really, very robust 45-minute assembly at a really loud decibel stage. I stored telling him, “Mr. President, the aim of that is to point out the Russians there isn’t any daylight between us.” On the finish of the assembly, he mentioned, “Properly, I’m not signing this.”
I requested him, “What do you wish to exit and inform the press? As a result of I don’t wish to exit and present the Russians there’s daylight between us.” He mentioned, “Properly, I’m going to exit and say I’ll signal it in Munich.”
Then he bought to Munich, bumped into Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio—very completely different from Vice President Harris and Secretary Blinken—however he didn’t signal the settlement.
Lastly, we had been purported to have the signing. It was purported to be an awesome day, and this is among the greatest personal objectives in diplomatic historical past.
[…]
However I’ve to let you know, Laura, at the moment, I used to be shocked that he would behave like this on digicam, in entrance of the world. If he had points he needed to deliver up with President Trump, the correct venue for that will have been quarter-hour later. We had been going to stroll into the White Home eating room and have lunch—simply 16 of us—and he may have voiced his considerations privately.
I really assume the Democratic aspect of the ledger is saying, “Oh, this was a setup. Vice President Vance and President Trump arrange President Zelensky.” I really assume he was at all times going to do that, and I believe he was shocked by the forceful response he bought again.
WATCH:
.@SecScottBessent on President Zelenskyy: “This is among the greatest ‘personal objectives’ in diplomatic historical past.” pic.twitter.com/ftXutYqsEp
— Fast Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 1, 2025
In the meantime, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) shared his perception on Zelensky’s actions, criticizing the Ukrainian president for his blatant disrespect towards the US.
He wrote on X:
Zelenskyy may have signed the deal 5 days earlier however needed to return to the White Home.
He’d been troublesome for 2 weeks. But he needed the White Home assembly. Trump was upbeat about it even simply the day earlier than publicly and privately the day of.
Though he may have reset the entire thing Zelenskyy was antagonistic and excessive.
There are not any extra playing cards to play. No extra “it might be your sons subsequent” or “another yr and we’ll have them on their knees.”
America has to maneuver to our core pursuits now: Homeland and China.
All he needed to do was smile for the cameras, signal the minerals deal and have lunch. That’s it. He couldn’t do it. He failed his nation and the comparatively normal apply for an Oval Workplace assembly like this.
There are actually severe questions if we are able to even take care of him. He blew it.
He had a one foot putt however was extra fascinated about litigating points that must be mentioned behind closed doorways (and have been) in public.
It’s within the nationwide curiosity of the U.S. for there to be a peace deal. Now.
Trump ran on this. It’s not a shock.
There will probably be no more cash for battle there. Not from us.
Now could be the time for peace.
Zelenskyy may have signed the deal 5 days earlier however needed to return to the White Home.
He’d been troublesome for 2 weeks. But he needed the White Home assembly. Trump was upbeat about it even simply the day earlier than publicly and privately the day of.
Though he may have…
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) March 1, 2025
