US President Donald Trump has once more lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, telling reporters in the Oval Office that he is “not a fan” of the wartime leader. Trump was speaking with the press in the Oval Office alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who has held a meeting with the US administration this afternoon.

The US President also backtracked on comments made earlier this week in which he again expressed a belief that the Ukrainian war had been started by Kyiv. He told reporters that he did not hold Zelensky permanently responsible for the war but that he was “not happy with him.” He said: I'm not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I wouldn't say he's done the greatest job. I’m not a big fan.”

During a confused and erratic press engagement, the president jumped to several topics, moving from defence, European migration, the Federal Reserve and tariffs.

On several occasions, the US leader was asked about the prospect of a mineral deal eventually being signed, with Trump confirming that the deal with Ukraine will be signed "next Thursday", potentially marking a major step toward a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

The deal has been discussed for months and was due to be signed following Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office which descended into chaos and left the agreement untouched.

The Untied States says that the deal will provide Ukraine with security on the basis that the presence of US companies and significant financial interests will deter any future aggression, although there is no consensus on how likely this is in reality.

Speaking from the Oval office, Trump said: “We have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday. And I assume they’re going to live up to the deal, so we’ll see."

When asked again about the mineral deal at how it might look, Trump handed over to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who said that while final details are still being ironed out, "It's substantially what we agreed previously.”

The deal is expected to see the United States take a 50% ownership of Ukrainian minerals and will allow it to recoup some, if not all, of the money it has given to Ukraine to defend itself following the Russian invasion.