The U.S. National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, has warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to refrain from making disparaging remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump and focus on negotiations to end the war started by Russia in February 2022.
Waltz issued this warning on Friday, February 2- as pressure mounted on Zelensky to negotiate mineral rights in exchange for Washington’s continued support in defending Ukraine against Russia.
Tensions between Trump and Zelensky over the proposed mineral deal which Kyiv has rejected—as well as Washington’s outreach to Moscow, have escalated this week, with both leaders exchanging sharp criticisms at press conferences and on social media.
The United States remains a crucial financial and military supporter of Ukraine. However, Trump has unsettled Kyiv and its European allies by initiating talks with Moscow, which they fear could result in a settlement favourable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky has accused Trump of succumbing to Russian disinformation, while Trump, in turn, has blamed Zelensky for the war and labelled 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 said.
Tech tycoon, Elon Musk weighed in on Thursday, asserting that Ukrainians despise their president, backing Trump’s decision to exclude Zelensky from discussions with Russia.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Zelensky stated on Thursday that he had a productive meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv and is ready to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.