Trump threatens Zelensky with ‘big problems’

US President Donald Trump has warned Vladimir Zelensky to think twice before rejecting the latest version of Washington’s proposed minerals deal – which is far harsher than an earlier draft that was derailed by the Ukrainian leader’s outburst at the White House in February.

Trump has repeatedly demanded that Kiev reimburse what he claims are hundreds of billions of dollars in US aid through Ukraine’s mineral wealth, which originally focused on rare-earths. A previous version of the deal was supposed to be signed in early March, but was abruptly withdrawn after Zelensky clashed publicly with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during an Oval Office meeting.

After Trump temporarily froze all military aid and intelligence sharing with Kiev, Zelensky signaled his willingness to resume negotiations, while still insisting that Kiev does not owe Washington anything…