Waltz says Ukraine should ‘tone down’ criticism of Trump, accept US deal
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has urged Ukraine to “tone down” its criticism of President Donald Trump and sign an economic deal that he believes would provide the country with the “best security guarantee they could ever hope for.” Waltz made these remarks on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s suggestion that Trump is misinformed about peace talks with Russia.
In response to Zelenskyy’s comments, Trump called the Ukrainian president “A Dictator without Elections” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump warned Zelenskyy to act swiftly or risk losing his country altogether. Waltz expressed frustration with Ukraine’s pushback and negative comments towards the administration, emphasizing that the U.S. has provided substantial support to Ukraine and presented them with a significant opportunity for economic investment.
Waltz highlighted the historic opportunity for the United States to co-invest in Ukraine’s economy, natural resources, and future, which he believes would serve as a sustainable security guarantee. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to take a hard look at the proposed deal and consider the benefits it could bring to the country. Despite the frustration within the administration, Waltz stressed the importance of Ukraine toning down its criticism and appreciating the support offered by the U.S.
The United States has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing billions of dollars in military aid since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. In an effort to recoup the costs of aid, the Trump administration is seeking access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, such as titanium, iron, and uranium. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented a proposal to Zelenskyy, suggesting U.S. ownership of 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
However, Zelenskyy declined to sign the proposed agreement, citing inadequate security guarantees for his country. Despite this setback, Zelenskyy described his meeting with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg as productive, focusing on the battlefield situation, the return of prisoners of war, and effective security guarantees. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the assistance and bipartisan support from the United States.
In conclusion, Waltz’s call for Ukraine to tone down its criticism of President Trump and consider the economic deal as a security guarantee reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. The ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine highlight the importance of cooperation and partnership in addressing security challenges in the region.
