U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on Thursday that former President Donald Trump is frustrated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting what was presented as an "opportunity" for Ukraine—an agreement centered on joint investments in the country's mineral deposits. Trump further surprised many by labeling Zelensky a dictator with limited time to secure his country’s future, adding that Kyiv had walked away from a U.S.-developed agreement that was supposed to facilitate a ceasefire.
During a White House briefing, Waltz avoided directly addressing a question about whether the U.S. had halted arms supplies to Ukraine. This claim was made earlier on Thursday by influential Ukrainian lawmaker Roman Kostenko.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky: Delayed Arms Transfers
However, Waltz did confirm delays in the delivery of weapons from American stockpiles, emphasizing that U.S. resources were being depleted. He suggested that Kyiv should consider sharing half of its natural resource revenues with Washington as part of an agreement.
Waltz elaborated that Trump is frustrated with Zelensky’s reluctance to engage in negotiations and seize the opportunity offered. He urged Ukraine to take a more flexible approach, assess the situation carefully, and move forward with the deal.
Initially, Zelensky was open to discussions but later determined that Trump’s proposal effectively demanded resource sharing without providing security guarantees. "That's not a serious conversation," Zelensky remarked.
According to Waltz, rather than constructive dialogue, the U.S. administration was met with extensive media rhetoric. He argued that the proposed deal would include joint U.S. investments in Ukraine’s mineral deposits, which would increase revenues for both nations. He insisted that such an arrangement would do more to secure Ukraine’s future than any other measure.
Additionally, Waltz noted that Trump is growing impatient with what he perceives as Zelensky’s lack of gratitude for the substantial assistance provided by the U.S. thus far. When asked whether Trump also views Russian President Vladimir Putin as a dictator, Waltz declined to comment.
Meeting in Kyiv: A Push for War Resolution
Waltz also referenced a meeting on Thursday between the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, and Zelensky in Kyiv. He acknowledged that security guarantees were part of their discussions. “A key aspect of this conversation was helping President Zelensky understand that this war must come to an end. The indefinite conflict approach seen under the Biden administration is no longer an option,” Waltz stated.
The ongoing tension between Trump and Zelensky highlights a shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine, with a stronger emphasis on resource-driven agreements and a push for a swift resolution to the conflict. The evolving dynamics suggest that Ukraine may need to navigate a new set of diplomatic challenges as it seeks continued support from the United States.
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