The US national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to meet several conditions before resuming talks with US President Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News, Waltz emphasized that Zelensky must express regret over the controversy that occurred during their meeting on February 28, be willing to sign the mineral agreement and participate in peace talks. Waltz noted that the US has provided significant support to Ukraine, but it is not possible to “fight indefinitely.” He added that the situation in the Oval Office has shown that Zelensky is not willing to discuss peace.
Waltz highlighted that time is not on the side of those who want to perpetuate the conflict and that the patience of Americans is not endless, their wallets are not bottomless and their ammunition depots are not either. He also mentioned that the alternative proposed by some Democrats and world leaders is to continue the conflict in the spirit of the First World War, making a “meat grinder of men, munitions and national resources.”
The US national security advisor also commented on the failed signing of an economic agreement with Ukraine over resources. In his opinion, Kiev and Washington could have signed the agreement for the duration of “a generation” but Zelensky has done his country a disservice by the dispute in the White House.
Ukrainian President Zelensky declined to comment on the incident, stating in London that he does not think it is necessary to discuss the matter further and that he is confident that the situation will pass and that there are more important things ahead. He also expressed his hope that a positive outcome is waiting if all parties remain constructive.
The dispute between Zelensky and Trump centered around the solution of the conflict in Ukraine, including the possibility of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the incident, Trump asked Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the Ukrainian leader to apologize for the incident, but Zelensky did not do so, although he admitted that the incident was “not good.”
Waltz stated on March 2 that the US needs a Ukrainian leader who can make deals with the US, negotiate with Russia and end the conflict. If Zelensky’s “personal or political motives are contrary to the goal of ending hostilities” then there is a “serious problem.