Waltz responds to whether Trump wants change in Ukraine's leadership
Photo: US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (Getty Images)
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that a leader capable of making deals with both the United States and Russia is needed to end the war in Ukraine. If the motives of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy diverge from this, a problem arises, reports CNN broadcast.
During an interview, the host asked Waltz whether US President Donald Trump wanted Zelenskyy to step down. Waltz responded affirmatively.
"We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war. And if it becomes apparent that President Zelensky's either personal motivations or political motivations are divergent from ending the fighting in his country, then I think we have a real issue on our hands," the National Security Advisor said.
Waltz emphasized that the American people's patience for continuing to provide billions of dollars "indefinitely" is not unlimited. Specifically, the US made this clear to Zelenskyy "at the end of this meeting" (referring to the meeting in Washington, where a dispute with Trump arose).
He added that the war in Ukraine must end, but this will require concessions, and it is necessary for all sides to come to the negotiating table.
"What I'm saying is this war needs to end, and that's going to make concessions on territory, that's going to take Russian concessions on security guarantees, that's going to take all sides coming to the table, and we are working very hard to drive those negotiations forward. We had our engagement in Riyadh with the Russians; we are working to have an engagement," Waltz stated.
He also emphasized that only Trump can unite all sides.
US position on Ukrainian elections
In February, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith stated that the United States wants Kyiv to hold elections by the end of 2025. This is especially the case if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached.
This was met with negative reactions in Ukraine. Specifically, Dmytro Lytvyn, the communications advisor to the President of Ukraine, wrote on social media that if Kellogg's plan for ending the war only involves a ceasefire and elections, then it is a failed plan.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that after a meeting between US and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, Trump stated that Zelenskyy's approval rating in Ukraine was only 4%. Later, Trump referred to the Ukrainian leader as a "dictator without elections." However, this week, in response to a journalist's question, the US president said he could not believe he had made such a statement.
