US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz defended President Trump’s remarks on Ukrainian President Zelensky, asserting Trump wants to end the war and criticized Zelensky for not negotiating peace. During a media briefing, Waltz expressed frustration over Zelensky’s lack of willingness to engage and highlighted the growing financial burden on the US in supporting the conflict, urging NATO allies to contribute more. Additionally, Trump criticized Zelensky for convincing the US to spend excessively on the war without returns, mentioning that much of the aid is unaccounted for and questioning Zelensky’s leadership, amid calls for urgent action to secure Ukraine’s future.
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Washington:
<p>After President Donald Trump's comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz underscored that Trump's intention is to end the war and criticized Zelenskyy for missing the chance to pursue peace negotiations.</p>
<p>During a media briefing on Thursday, Waltz stated, "His (President Trump) goal is to bring this war to a close. Ongoing hostilities are present on both sides. This resembles World War I trench warfare. Trump's frustration with President Zelensky is multifaceted. Some of the rhetoric and insults from Kyiv directed at President Trump are unacceptable. He feels very let down by President Zelensky because he hasn’t taken the opportunity put forward to negotiate. I believe he will soon reach a breaking point."</p>
<p>Waltz also expressed worries about the growing financial strain on the US as it continues to support the war and NATO’s defense initiatives.</p>
<p>"We have clearly articulated for years that it is unacceptable for the United States and its taxpayers to bear not only the war costs in Ukraine but also the defense of Europe. While we firmly stand by our NATO allies and the Article 5 commitment, it's time for our NATO partners to take more responsibility... As we approach a NATO Summit, a third of our allies have yet to meet the 2 percent minimum defense spending they agreed to a decade ago, especially with a war looming nearby. We have domestic priorities to address, and President Trump has made that abundantly clear. Europe must take charge of its own defense as a partner. We can maintain our friendship and alliance while having these challenging conversations."</p>
<p>He further stated, "I had the privilege of being in the Oval Office when President Trump conversed with President Putin and subsequently spoke with President Zelensky; both leaders acknowledged that only President Trump could facilitate dialogue between both parties and halt the dreadful conflict. Recently, we engaged in historic discussions, mediated by our valued partner Saudi Arabia, for which we are grateful to the crown prince for hosting. For the first time in years, we sat down with the Russians to discuss a pathway to peace."</p>
<p>Trump, on Wednesday, criticized Zelensky over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, pointing out that the United States has expended USD 200 billion more than Europe, while Europe’s financial contributions are “guaranteed,” without any return for the US.</p>
<p>In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump remarked, "Consider this: a moderately successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, convinced the United States to spend $350 billion on a war that was unwinnable, that never needed to begin, but a conflict that he, without the US and 'TRUMP,' will never be able to resolve."</p>
<p>The post continued, "The United States has poured $200 billion more into this effort than Europe, where their financial support is assured, while the US receives no return. Why didn’t sleepy Joe Biden insist on equal footing when this war is more critical to Europe than to us -- we have a vast ocean separating us. Additionally, Zelenskyy admits that half of the funds we sent him are 'MISSING.' He refuses to hold elections, is polling poorly in Ukraine, and the only thing he excelled at was playing Biden 'like a fiddle.' A dictator without elections, Zelensky better act quickly, or he risks losing his country."</p>
<p>(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)</p>