Washington DC: In response to President Donald Trump's comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz underscored Trump's intention to end the war and criticized Zelenskyy for not seizing the chance to negotiate peace.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Waltz stated, "President Trump's objective is to conclude this conflict. There has been persistent fighting on both sides, resembling World War I trench warfare. His frustration with President Zelenskyy stems from multiple issues. The rhetoric and insults directed at President Trump from Kyiv are unacceptable. President Trump is increasingly exasperated with President Zelenskyy for not engaging in discussions and for not taking advantage of the opportunities we have presented. I believe he will reach a breaking point soon."
Waltz also expressed concerns regarding the financial implications for the US in supporting the war and NATO's defense initiatives.
"We have consistently communicated that it is unacceptable for the United States and its taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden of the war in Ukraine and the defense of Europe. We fully support our NATO allies and the Article 5 commitment, but it is time for our NATO partners to contribute more. As we approach a NATO Summit, a third of our allies are still not meeting the 2 percent minimum commitment they made a decade ago, despite having a war at their doorstep. We have domestic priorities to consider, and President Trump has made that clear. Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense as a partner. We can maintain our friendship and alliance while having these difficult discussions."
He further stated, "I had the privilege of being present in the Oval Office when President Trump engaged in discussions with President Putin and subsequently with President Zelenskyy. Both leaders expressed that only President Trump had the capability to bring both parties to the negotiating table and to halt the devastating conflict. We recently conducted historic talks, facilitated by our esteemed ally, Saudi Arabia, for which we extend our gratitude to the crown prince for his hospitality. For the first time in years, we convened with the Russians to discuss a pathway toward peace."
On Wednesday, Trump criticized Zelenskyy regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that the United States has invested $200 billion more than Europe, while European contributions are assured and the U.S. receives no benefits in return.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump remarked, "Consider this: a somewhat successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, persuaded the United States to allocate $350 billion to a war that was unwinnable and unnecessary, a conflict that he will never be able to resolve without the support of the U.S. and 'TRUMP.'"
The post continued, "The United States has expended $200 billion more than Europe, and while European funding is guaranteed, the U.S. will see no return. Why didn’t sleepy Joe Biden insist on equal contributions, given that this war is significantly more critical to Europe than to us? We have a vast ocean as a buffer. Furthermore, Zelenskyy acknowledges that half of the funds we provided are 'MISSING.' He refuses to hold elections, is struggling in Ukrainian polls, and his only notable skill seems to be manipulating Biden. A dictator without elections, Zelenskyy needs to act swiftly or risk losing his country."
