Trump stated that Bessent was treated “quite harshly” in Kyiv. The U.S. president intends to finalize a simplified fossil fuels deal

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine derailed a deal on rare earth minerals and that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was treated “quite rudely” during his visit to Kyiv.

Trump made these remarks to journalists aboard Air Force One.

“Scott Bessent really went there, and he was treated quite roughly because, essentially, he was told ‘no,’ and Zelensky was asleep and couldn’t meet with him… He traveled many hours by train, which is a dangerous journey, and we’re talking about the Treasury Secretary. He went there to sign a document, but when he arrived, he left with nothing. They refused to sign the document,” Trump said.

Trump stated that he plans to push the deal through, otherwise, Zelensky “won’t be too happy,” and he once again called for elections in Ukraine.

“Yes, I think I’m going to revive this deal. We’ll see what happens, but I’ll bring it back, otherwise, he won’t be too pleased. And look, it’s time for elections,” the U.S. president said.

According to Reuters sources, the Trump administration may first attempt to negotiate a simplified deal and later agree on detailed terms. Trump reportedly wants the deal to be finalized before moving forward with a settlement in Ukraine.

“We definitely need to bring this guy back to reality,” Trump’s advisers told Reuters, referring to Volodymyr Zelensky.

It is worth noting that during a business conference in Miami, Trump accused Ukraine of sabotaging the deal.