The White House asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ‘tone down’ the criticism and ‘sign that deal’ after his comments about Donald Trump accepting Russian disinformation.
During a Fox News broadcast, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz urged Zelenskyy to ‘tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal’ concerning Ukraine’s wartime aid, Daily Mail reported.
High-level US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia this week—held without Ukraine’s participation. The talks, which coincide with continued Russian strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure, have also exposed growing friction between Zelenskyy and Trump, whose administration is pressuring Kyiv to accept a proposed minerals deal that would grant the US access to valuable natural resources in exchange for economic and security commitments.
Waltz highlighted the significant opportunity for Ukraine to secure investment in its economy and resources, suggesting this would provide better security than additional military supplies.
“It would be a way for the country to ‘really become a partner in Ukraine’s future in a way that’s sustainable, but also would be I think the best security guarantee they could ever hope for… much more than another pallet of ammunition.”
JD Vance cautioned Zelenskyy against public criticism of Trump in an exclusive DailyMail.com interview, noting such tactics would be counterproductive with the administration.
Trump intensified his criticism at a Miami Saudi-backed conference, whilst Vance defended Trump’s approach at CPAC, emphasising his negotiation skills and potential to achieve European peace.
The situation has evolved as the US declines to co-sponsor a UN draft resolution commemorating the Russian invasion anniversary, which supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemns Russian actions, according to diplomatic sources.
Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed peacekeeping plan involves British and French troops, with American air support, though Russian officials have rejected this as unacceptable.
The diplomatic tension continues as Russia expresses agreement with Trump’s recent statements, whilst maintaining its position that NATO troops in Ukraine would constitute a direct security threat.
The UN resolution situation reflects growing complications in US-Ukraine relations, as Washington’s position shifts under the current administration, potentially affecting global support for Ukraine’s cause.
Recent developments include improved US-Russia dialogue and possible prisoner exchange discussions, whilst Ukraine’s allies continue to support Zelenskyy against Trump’s criticisms, with figures like Nikki Haley opposing Trump’s statements as aligned with Russian interests.
