Senior Washington officials have hinted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might have to step aside to facilitate a peace agreement with Russia, reflecting former President Donald Trump’s dramatic shift in approach to the war.
“We need a leader who can work with us, negotiate with the Russians, and bring an end to this conflict,” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told CNN. “If it becomes clear that President Zelenskyy’s personal or political interests conflict with ending the war, that presents a serious issue.”
Waltz’s comments align with growing Republican criticism of Zelenskyy, following a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday in which Trump publicly clashed with the Ukrainian leader, calling him “disrespectful.” The dispute led to Zelenskyy leaving the White House without securing a preliminary agreement on Ukraine’s mineral rights.
During the exchange, Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv still required security guarantees before trusting any peace deal with Moscow. However, Trump later shared a post on Truth Social suggesting that U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s mining industry could serve as a deterrent against further Russian aggression.
“Trump ensures that Americans will be involved in Ukraine’s mining industry,” the post read. “This prevents Russia from launching an invasion, as attacking Ukraine would endanger American lives, forcing the U.S. to respond.”
