The United States and Ukraine are expected to finalize a minerals agreement following a contentious Oval Office meeting last Friday, as per a report from Reuters.

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was abruptly dismissed from the White House after a tense altercation with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump pushes for deal despite diplomatic rift

President Trump has informed his advisers that he wants to announce the agreement during his address to Congress on Tuesday evening, the report said, citing sources.

However, the deal has yet to be formally signed, and the situation remains fluid.

The White House has not commented on the status of the deal, and both Ukraine’s presidential administration in Kyiv and the Ukrainian embassy in Washington have also not responded to requests for comment.

On Monday, Trump suggested that his administration was still open to finalizing the deal but reiterated his view that Ukraine should be more publicly appreciative of US assistance.

“This country has stuck with them through thick and thin,” Trump told reporters. “We’ve given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us.”

It remains unclear whether any changes have been made to the original terms of the minerals deal.

The agreement, as initially drafted, did not include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine but granted the US access to revenues generated from Ukraine’s natural resources.

Additionally, it stipulated that the Ukrainian government would allocate 50% of future profits from state-owned natural resources to a US-Ukraine-managed reconstruction investment fund.

Zelenskyy vs Trump and Vance at the Oval Office

During the meeting, Trump and Vance pressed Zelenskyy, insisting he should publicly express appreciation for US assistance instead of asking for more aid during his media appearances.

“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump told Zelenskyy.

Despite the heated exchange, U.S. officials have continued discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in recent days, urging Zelenskyy’s advisers to convince him to issue a public apology to Trump, as per the report.

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the diplomatic tension but signaling Ukraine’s readiness to move forward with the agreement.

“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” Zelenskyy wrote.

Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”

Europe’s solidarity with Zelenskyy

After the tense exchange in Washington, the Ukrainian president received a warm welcome in London over the weekend, where he met the prime minister, visited the King, and gained strong support from European leaders at a summit on Sunday.

The reception stood in stark contrast to the White House meeting.

By Sunday’s summit in London, the focus shifted to concrete actions, with leaders emphasizing the continued importance of US support.

At the summit’s conclusion, Starmer outlined a four-point plan, calling for sustained military aid to Ukraine, ensuring Ukraine’s presence at peace talks, strengthening its defense capabilities, and forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, including the possibility of sending troops.

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An investment consortium led by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has agreed to acquire two strategically positioned ports at either end of the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison.

The deal, valued at approximately $19 billion, includes the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, as well as over 40 other ports in 23 countries.

The transaction comes amid heightened geopolitical concerns over China’s role in global trade and allegations from President Donald Trump that Beijing has undue influence over the vital shipping route.

However, the deal must still receive approval from Panama’s government before moving forward.

What does the deal entail?

Under the terms of the deal, BlackRock’s consortium will take control of 43 ports, including key facilities in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, and Pakistan.

Notably, the acquisition does not include any interests in CK Hutchison’s port operations in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, or other parts of China.

“These world-class ports facilitate global growth,” BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said in a statement.

“Through our deep connectivity to organizations like Hutchison and governments around the world, we are increasingly the first call for partners seeking patient, long-term capital.”

What are Trump’s claims about Chinese influence on the canal?

The Panama Canal, a key transit route for global trade, was originally constructed by the US in the early 20th century and was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.

BlackRock’s acquisition follows a series of statements from Trump and his allies, who have expressed concern over CK Hutchison’s presence in Panama.

The president has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that China controls the canal and has suggested that the US should retake control of the waterway.

“China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” Trump said in his inaugural address.

In January, he further suggested that military force or economic pressure could be used to regain influence over the canal.

Although Trump’s assertion about China’s control of the canal is unproven, growing Chinese influence in global shipping and port infrastructure has raised concerns among US officials, who worry that the Chinese government could pressure private companies to disrupt commercial and military shipments during a conflict.

Observers believe the sale to BlackRock could help alleviate concerns within the US government about Chinese influence in the region.

CK Hutchison says transaction purely commercial

CK Hutchison, which has operated the Balboa and Cristobal ports for decades, emphasized that the sale was purely a commercial decision.

Co-Managing Director Frank Sixt stated that the company had received multiple bids and ultimately chose BlackRock’s offer through a competitive process.

“I would like to stress that the transaction is purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama ports,” Sixt said.

Curiously, the sale follows Panama’s recent decision to extend Hutchison Ports’ contract by 25 years without a competitive bidding process.

However, an audit was already underway to evaluate the extension, prompting speculation that a US-aligned firm might take over operations.

According to AP, observers believed the audit was a preliminary step toward eventually rebidding the contract, but rumours had swirled in recent weeks that a US firm close to the White House was being lined up to take over.

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The United States may revise its trade policies with Canada and Mexico, as US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that President Donald Trump is considering rolling back certain tariffs.

The potential move, expected as early as tomorrow, follows negotiations with officials from both countries. Trump is not expected to eliminate tariffs.

Instead, adjustments will likely be conditional on Mexico and Canada addressing key concerns raised by the administration.

Lutnick’s comments come at a critical moment for financial markets, which have been reacting sharply to trade policy uncertainty.

The largest technology stock ETF surged nearly 1% in late trading, while index futures rebounded from earlier declines. The tariff debate has also had a ripple effect on cryptocurrency markets, which saw sharp swings following the announcement.

Trade tensions ease, but tariffs remain a tool

While Trump has signalled a willingness to adjust tariffs, Lutnick stressed that the administration still views them as a critical negotiation tool.

The 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, which have been in place for months, are not expected to be removed entirely. Instead, Trump may introduce modifications aimed at addressing concerns from both trade partners.

Lutnick did not provide exact details on the potential changes but indicated that Canada and Mexico have been actively engaging with the US government to seek a resolution.

He acknowledged that the administration is open to “meeting in the middle” but emphasised that both countries would need to address specific issues raised by the White House.

These remarks came ahead of Trump’s scheduled primetime address to Congress, where he is expected to outline his economic strategy, including his approach to international trade.

The president has repeatedly stated that tariffs help protect US industries and reduce the trade deficit, despite concerns from economists and business leaders about their long-term impact.

Expanding the trade war

While Trump appears open to revising trade measures against Canada and Mexico, he has remained firm on tariffs against China.

The US raised levies on Chinese imports to 20%, with Beijing responding by imposing 15% tariffs on US farm goods, effective next week.

The ongoing trade battle has added pressure on American manufacturers and exporters, particularly in the agriculture and technology sectors.

Beyond China, Trump has also turned his attention to the European Union. He has threatened new tariffs on European goods, further escalating trade tensions.

Analysts warn that such a move could trigger retaliatory actions from the EU, potentially destabilising global trade and financial markets.

Investors have been closely monitoring these developments, with stock prices fluctuating in response to tariff-related announcements.

Crypto markets react to trade policy shifts

The uncertainty surrounding US trade policy has not only impacted equities but also sent shockwaves through cryptocurrency markets.

Bitcoin, which initially plummeted over 9% to $83,000 following Lutnick’s announcement, has since rebounded and is now trading at $87,723, marking a 4% gain in the last 24 hours.

Other major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, have also recovered, rising by 5%, 9%, 5%, and 22%, respectively.

The broader cryptocurrency market is now valued at nearly $4 trillion, reflecting a 4% increase over the past day.

Crypto-related stocks have also seen gains, with MicroStrategy (MSTR) rising 9.55%, Coinbase (COIN) up 3.22%, and Marathon Digital (MARA) gaining 1.34%.

The link between trade policies and crypto market movements underscores the growing role of digital assets in global finance.

Investors are increasingly using cryptocurrencies as a hedge against economic uncertainty, with Bitcoin and other major tokens reacting to geopolitical events like traditional assets.

As Trump prepares to address the nation, traders and policymakers alike will be watching closely for further details on his tariff strategy.

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Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was removed from the House chamber on Tuesday after disrupting Donald Trump’s address to Congress.

The veteran lawmaker, known for his past impeachment efforts against Trump, openly challenged the former president’s claim of a broad electoral mandate.

Green’s protest, which included vocal opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts, quickly escalated into a tense confrontation on the House floor.

The incident highlighted deep divisions within Congress as Trump laid out his policy agenda.

While Republicans celebrated Green’s removal, chanting “Goodbye!” as he was escorted out, the moment underscored ongoing political tensions surrounding Trump’s return to office.

Green’s history of vocal opposition to Trump dates back to the former president’s first term when he was among the earliest lawmakers to push for impeachment.

Al Green’s background

Al Green, 77, has served as the US representative for Texas’ 9th congressional district since 2005.

Born in New Orleans, he earned a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1974 before beginning his political career as a justice of the peace in Harris County.

His congressional tenure has been marked by a strong focus on civil rights, economic justice, and healthcare access.

Green’s clashes with Trump are well-documented. In 2017, he became the first lawmaker to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, citing obstruction of justice in the Russia investigation.

He later forced multiple House votes on impeachment, drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers and some moderate Democrats. His continued opposition to Trump’s policies has remained a defining feature of his tenure in Congress.

The disruption in Congress

Tensions flared early in Trump’s address when he declared, “The presidential election of Nov. 5 was a mandate like has not been seen in many decades.” Seated near the aisle, Green immediately stood and shouted, “You have no mandate.”

His comments, aimed at disputing Trump’s electoral legitimacy and proposed Medicaid cuts, triggered a heated response from Republican lawmakers.

House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Green to stop his outburst or face removal. However, the Texas Democrat continued to interject, prompting Johnson to order the Sergeant at Arms to restore order.

As Green was escorted out, Republican members loudly jeered, chanting “Nah nah nah nah, goodbye.” Green, undeterred, continued to voice opposition to Trump’s policies while being removed from the chamber.

Outside, Green defended his actions, stating that Trump’s claims of a mandate were misleading and that his proposed budget would harm vulnerable Americans.

The moment added to an already charged atmosphere in Congress, with members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wearing pink in protest and others displaying messages critical of Trump’s policies.

Protests during Trump’s speech

Green’s removal was just one of several demonstrations during Trump’s speech. Democratic lawmakers expressed dissent in various ways, with some donning blue and yellow ties in support of Ukraine.

Others displayed messages accusing billionaire Elon Musk of threatening Social Security, reflecting broader concerns over economic policy changes under Trump’s leadership.

Several Democratic representatives also revealed T-shirts with slogans such as “Resist” and “No more kings,” while Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a whiteboard reading, “THAT’S A LIE.”

The display of defiance underscored ongoing divisions in the House, where Trump’s policies on healthcare, social security, and foreign relations have faced strong pushback.

Despite warnings from House Democratic leadership to maintain decorum, the speech saw multiple disruptions.

Minority Whip Katherine Clark had urged members to avoid using props, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries advised lawmakers to focus on the impact of Trump’s policies rather than making the moment about personal protests.

However, the charged atmosphere made it clear that bipartisan cooperation remains elusive.

Trump’s return to the congressional stage reignited old political battles, with Green’s removal symbolising the lingering animosity between the former president and his critics.

As the dust settles, Green’s protest is likely to remain a defining moment in the latest chapter of the Trump era.

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission is backing off from its legal battle with Cumberland DRW, months after accusing the Chicago-based crypto trading firm of operating as an unregistered securities dealer.

In a March 4 post on X, Cumberland disclosed it had signed a joint filing with the SEC to dismiss the lawsuit following an agreement reached on Feb. 20.

“The filing was agreed in principle between Cumberland DRW and SEC staff on February 20 and is currently pending Commission approval,” the Chicago-based market marker said, adding that the move was a step toward better cooperation between regulators and the crypto industry.

Cumberland vowed to work with the agency “to help shape a future where technological advancements and regulatory clarity go hand in hand,” as it hopes to ensure that the US remains at the forefront of global financial innovation.

Larry Florio, a general counsel at crypto investment firm 1Kx, welcomed the development as a “refreshing step away from the prior regime’s bad faith attempt to destroy the industry.”

Under former SEC chair Gary Gensler, the agency has been accused of waging war against the crypto industry by insisting all tokens distributed fall under securities. The result of such enforcement actions left those working in the US in legal limbo, which President Donald Trump is currently rolling back.

For Cumberland, the SEC accused the firm of trading more than $2 billion worth of crypto assets without registering as a securities dealer in an October 10 lawsuit filed in 2024. 

According to the regulator, Cumberland has been acting as an unregistered dealer since 2018, conducting trades through its Marea trading platform and OTC deals over the phone. 

It argued that at least five tokens traded by Cumberland, namely Polygon, Solana, Cosmos, Algorand, and Filecoin, were securities and sought permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of profits, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.

Cumberland, however, dismissed these allegations and pointed out that it registered as a dealer-broker in 2019, calling out the lawsuit as just another example of the regulator’s “enforcement-first approach to stifling innovation.”

SEC drops crypto lawsuits

This isn’t the first time the SEC has walked away from a crypto lawsuit. In recent months, the regulator has dropped cases against several major crypto industry players that had been battling the agency over the past years.

As previously reported by Invezz, Yuga Labs, the company behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, recently confirmed that the SEC had closed its investigation into the firm, ending a long-running probe which began in October of 20233.

Last week, it closed its case against MetaMask after reaching an agreement with Consensys, the company behind the popular crypto wallet.

Other firms that have been relieved from the SEC’s scrutiny include Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, Uniswap Labs, and OpenSea.

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