The US President is pushing for a quick peace and is demanding Ukraine sign over resource rights to pay for its military support.

Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speak during a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)

Volodymyr Zelensky met Scott Bessent in Kyiv on February 12

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a meeting with Secretary of the Treasury of the United States Scott Bessent in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. 12 Feb 2025 Pictured: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) and Secretary of the Treasury of the United States Scott Bessent hold a meeting in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. Photo credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com sales@mega.global

Zelensky reportedly shouted at Bessent during a closed-door meeting

FILE - A Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar at Russian positions in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. A top adviser to Ukraine's president has cited military chiefs as saying 10,000 to 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the country's nine-month struggle against Russia's invasion, a rare comment on such figures and far below estimates of Ukrainian casualties from Western leaders. Late Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, relayed new figures about Ukrainian soldiers killed in battle, while noting that the number of injured troops was higher and civilian casualty counts were “significant.” (AP Photo/Libkos, File)

A Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar at Russian positions in Bakhmut

But Trump had asked for a staggering amount in payback from Ukraine – some £400bn ($500bn) in the original offer.

An “angry” Zelensky blasted US treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a closed-door meeting about the deal in Kyiv on February 12, the Financial Times reports.

The envoy had demanded brave Zelensky sign over much of his country’s wealth then and there.

But Zelensky’s gravelly, enraged voice could be heard through the gilded doors the meeting was held behind as he shot back.

“He [Zelensky] was very angry,” a person present said.

The blast left Bessent, a former hedge fund boss, visibly flustered with his hands trembling as he spoke to reporters following the meeting.

Since then, the two sides have continued to negotiate the deal – but Zelensky is not yet ready to agree.

In return, White House officials have raged Zelensky would be “six feet under” without them as a row has erupted with Trump.

Kyiv is standing firm, reports Sky News, with some sources saying US and Ukrainian officials had spent “all night” negotiating on Thursday into the early hours of Friday.

In the latest offer, the US is demanding access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, oil, and critical infrastructure like ports.

Ukraine repels Putin’s BIGGEST EVER drone attack on eve of war anniversary

On Monday, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister said the two sides are in the “final stages” as “nearly all key details (have been) finalised”.

Despite Trump demanding £400bn for “equalisation”, the US Congress thinks the US has only backed Ukraine with up to £137bn.

The dispute over the deal has led to a feud between the leaders with Trump slamming Zelensky as a “dictator” and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.

Trump also said the leader of Ukraine was “not very important” to be in meetings about peace – despite Ukraine having been invaded.

Ukrainian soldiers firing a Javelin missile during military exercises.

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Ukrainian soldiers fire a US-supplied Javelin missile systemCredit: AP
President Zelenskyy answering media questions in front of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

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The US has approved F-16 transfers to UkraineCredit: AP
Illustration of Russian military losses in Ukraine, showing 860,000 soldiers, 21,000 armored vehicles, 10,000 tanks, 26,000 drones, 28 ships and boats, 370 planes, and 331 helicopters.

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The President told governors at the White House: “I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine.

“They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough.”

Zelensky has also said he would step down as his country’s leader in exchange for peace or Nato membership.

The Ukrainian president said on Sunday: “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].

“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership].

“If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”

Zelensky and Von der Leyen at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

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Leaders in Kyiv lay flowers Monday in remembrance of Ukrainians killedCredit: EPA
Meeting of European leaders and Canada's prime minister in Kyiv.

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Dozens of world leaders are in Ukraine to support the countryCredit: AFP

He emphasised that Ukraine’s security was his priority, not staying in office, adding that it was not his “dream” to remain president for a decade.

European leaders have been left reeling by being cut out of peace talks that Trump has started with Russia.

The new American administration has shifted position and started unilateral talks with Moscow as it demands a quick end to the war.

That’s left European capitals fuming – who have collectively backed Ukraine more than the US against the Russian invasion.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has said there is no ground to talk to Europe about peace and wants Washington to “fully analyse the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict”.

Ukraine is holding a ceremony in Kyiv as it continues to drum up support as the war drags on and the US appears to be turning away.

Ukrainian soldiers holding their national flag.

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Zelensky released a clip touting Ukrainians after three years of warCredit: X/@ZelenskyyUa
Nighttime aerial view of a statue holding a shield with the Ukrainian trident, commemorating three years of war.

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The clip shows the Ukrainian Motherland Monument lit up in blueCredit: X/@ZelenskyyUa

Some world leaders are calling in to the event, like UK PM Sir Keir Starmer.

Starmer said: “I have a very simple, clear message today, the UK is with you today and every day, from His Majesty the King to the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine, to the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart.”

Starmer also announced a new package of economic sanctions to force Russia “not just to talk but to make concessions”.

Some 30 have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.

The massive show of support for Kyiv came as Germany’s new leader said Europe must stand alone from the US.

Zelensky said: “Nobody in the world believes the Russian lies about our country and our people, even those who became Russia’s ally.

“Russia’s strategic target is Europe, the European way of life and the future of Europe.

Who could replace Zelensky?

Names have begun to emerge as to who could replace Zelensky if he were to resign.

Valery Zaluzhny – The Iron General

Zaluzhny led the defence of Kyiv at the start of the war when Russia sent its special forces to their death at Hostomel Airport. Russia then tried to take Kyiv from the north by sending an Army from Belarus.

But the Iron General Zeluzhny is known for thinking outside of the box and has built a cult status in Ukraine.

He is currently the country’s ambassador to London.

Vitali Klitschko – The Champion Boxer

Klitschko is currently mayor of Kyiv and, standing at 6ft 7in, the former world boxing champion would be a heavyweight contender.

The boxer has led the city through daily bombardments by Russian drones and has become a powerful symbol of the city’s defence joining the territorial defence forces.

Like Zelensky, Klitschko would be a strong pro-European leader that Vladimir Putin would hate.

Viktor Medvedchuk – Putin’s Man

Ukrainian oligarch Medvedchuk is the godfather to Putin’s youngest daughter.

He was an important interlocutor between Moscow and Kyiv and backs a pro-Russian political party with several television stations he owns.

In 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of supporting Russian separatists – with the oligarch denying any wrongdoing.

The move is said to have infuriated Putin and was seen as one of the possible reasons he launched his invasion.

“And the future of Europe cannot be decided without Europe.”

The valiant leader has shared a patriotic clip of courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the sad occasion.

Set to stirring music, Zelensky shared footage of fearless Ukrainian troops fighting over the course of the three years and thanked them.

The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.

Incoming Chancellor Friederich Merz said his absolute priority was “to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we can achieve real independence from the USA.”

Merz said: “More than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength.

Meeting of European leaders in Kyiv.

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Some 30 world leaders are gathered in KyivCredit: AFP
Numerous flags at a cemetery memorial for fallen soldiers.

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A ceremony is held on Monday at the Lychakiv Cemetery to honour the memory of fallen soldiersCredit: Getty

“For a fair peace, the country that is under attack must be part of peace negotiations.”

In Kyiv Monday, Trudeau addressed President Zelensky, praising his remarkable personal bravery, resilience and resolve.

He said: “You continue to inspire me and tens of millions of my fellow citizens back home in Canada.”

Trudeau pushed back on the Kremlin’s narrative, echoed in recent days by Trump and some members of his administration, that Ukraine bore responsibility for igniting the conflict.