Senior US Republican officials have suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may need to step down if a peace deal with Russia is to be reached, marking a significant shift in Washington’s stance on the ongoing war.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told CNN that “we need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war,” raising questions about Zelensky’s political motivations.
The remarks follow a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday, during which former President Donald Trump openly criticised Zelensky and refused to sign a long-anticipated pact on sharing Ukraine’s mineral rights.
Trump later suggested that US involvement in Ukraine’s mining industry could serve as a security guarantee, arguing that it would deter further Russian aggression.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed concerns about Zelensky’s leadership, stating that “either he needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude, or someone else needs to lead the country.”
The shift has sparked backlash from Democrats, with Senator Chris Murphy accusing the White House of aligning itself with the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed European support for Ukraine and announced increased defense spending by European nations.
Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk endorsed a post advocating for the US to leave NATO and the UN, intensifying fears of a major realignment in global security.
