The United States National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, expressed doubts about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's ability to negotiate peace in Ukraine following a confrontation with Donald Trump. Waltz warned that time is not on Zelensky's side and that he must change radically or step down.
In an interview on Fox News, Waltz stated: "What became very clear to us in that session is that he is not prepared to talk about peace at all." When asked whether Zelensky or any other leader would achieve the agreement, Waltz mentioned that the situation remains uncertain after Friday's conflict.
For his part, Trump, through his social media, indicated that he would not tolerate Zelensky's stances for long and pointed out that the Ukrainian president is not seeking peace while he has the support of the United States. Waltz suggested the need for a "leader" who can end the war in Ukraine and mentioned that if Zelensky does not fulfill that role, the U.S. does not have unlimited resources.
Last Friday, in the Oval Office, Trump and Zelensky had a dispute that frustrated the signing of an economic agreement between the two countries. Waltz held Zelensky responsible for what happened and defended that the White House was ready for the signing of the agreement, but the Ukrainian president stepped back.
Republicans have rallied in support of Trump, even suggesting that Zelensky should resign. Amid these tensions, the U.S. will assess the continuation of arms shipments to Ukraine and define its stance regarding the conflict in the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will meet with Trump to address the situation in Ukraine. Waltz indicated that the upcoming presidential speech would address the pending economic agreement. Uncertainty regarding the future of peace negotiations in Ukraine remains.
