The Collapse of the US-Ukraine Mineral Agreement: Implications for International Order and Ukraine's Future
The recent diplomatic confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House has sent shockwaves through the international community. What was intended to be a signing ceremony for a mineral agreement between the two nations deteriorated into an open dispute, ultimately resulting in President Trump asking President Zelensky to leave. This dramatic breakdown not only represents a failure in bilateral relations but signals a profound shift in America's approach to the Ukraine conflict and international order more broadly . The incident highlights the stark contrast between the previous U.S. administration's portrayal of Zelensky as a democratic champion and Trump's transactional approach that appears more aligned with Russian narratives. This report examines the causes and consequences of this diplomatic rupture, its implications for the liberal international order, and explores potential paths forward for Ukraine in t...