U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has cautioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to avoid making negative remarks about former President Donald Trump and instead focus on negotiations aimed at ending the war sparked by Russia in February 2022.
Waltz issued this warning on Friday, February 2, as pressure increased on Zelenskyy to negotiate mineral rights in return for continued U.S. support in defending Ukraine against Russia. The tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have grown this week over a proposed mineral deal, which Kyiv has rejected, along with Washington’s attempts to engage Moscow. Both leaders have exchanged sharp criticisms at press conferences and on social media, escalating the dispute.
The United States continues to be a vital financial and military backer of Ukraine, but Trump’s initiation of talks with Moscow has alarmed Kyiv and its European allies, fearing such negotiations could lead to a settlement favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy has accused Trump of falling victim to Russian disinformation, while Trump has blamed Zelenskyy for the war, calling him a dictator who refuses to hold elections.
“Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump were unacceptable. President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelensky—the fact that he hasn’t come to the table, that he hasn’t been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered,” Waltz stated.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk also weighed in on Thursday, suggesting that Ukrainians despise their president and supporting Trump’s decision to exclude Zelenskyy from discussions with Russia. Despite the ongoing tensions, Zelenskyy affirmed on Thursday that he had a productive meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv and is open to negotiating an end to the war with Russia.
