National security advisor says Putin, Zelenskyy agree ‘only President Trump could get them to the table’

The Trump Administration’s Role in Negotiating the End of the Ukraine-Russia War

The Trump administration has taken a proactive stance in negotiating the conclusion of the Ukraine-Russia war, with National Security Advisor Michael Waltz emphasizing that European allies are being consulted throughout the process. Waltz pushed back against criticisms that the U.S. is excluding its European partners, stating that high-level officials, including the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Treasury Secretary, have been actively engaging with allies in Europe. He acknowledged that some may disagree with the sequencing of the negotiations, but stressed that consultation is ongoing. Waltz highlighted President Trump’s leadership in bringing both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, suggesting that Trump’s involvement is pivotal in achieving peace.

European Engagement and the Upcoming Emergency Summit

As the U.S. prepares for talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host an emergency summit on Ukraine in Paris, involving European leaders. Waltz noted that President Trump has been in communication with key European leaders, including Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is planning a visit to the U.S. These diplomatic efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to coordinating with allies, even as it takes a leading role in the negotiations. Waltz emphasized that while the U.S. is driving the process, European partners are fully informed and involved, contradicting claims of exclusion.

The Economic Investment Deal Offered to Ukraine

In a significant development, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has offered Ukraine an economic investment deal, signaling the administration’s intent to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Waltz explained that this deal is framed as a "partnership" with the U.S., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance also emphasizing the importance of a co-invested relationship. The administration believes this partnership would not only bolster Ukraine’s economy but also align its interests with those of the American people. Waltz highlighted that much of the European aid to Ukraine is in the form of loans, which are repaid with interest from Russian assets, and suggested that Trump’s approach is redefining the economic dynamics of the conflict.

Concerns Over Ukraine’s Role in the Negotiations

Despite the administration’s assurances, concerns have been raised about Ukraine’s direct involvement in the upcoming talks. Critics, including "Fox News Sunday" host Shannon Bream, have questioned whether Ukraine will have a seat at the negotiating table, particularly given Zelenskyy’s assertion that Kyiv will not be bound by any deal struck between the U.S. and Russia. Waltz responded by stating that Ukraine’s interests are being represented through ongoing discussions with U.S. officials, who have stressed the importance of a partnership with the American people. He argued that entering into this agreement would be in Ukraine’s best interest, both for its immediate security and long-term stability.

Opposition to Trump’s Handling of the Negotiations

Not everyone is supportive of the Trump administration’s approach to the negotiations. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has criticized Trump for failing to treat Ukraine as an equal bargaining power, calling it a "shocking surrender of American values and interests." Schiff’s remarks reflect broader concerns that the administration’s focus on ending the war quickly may come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Waltz, however, defended the administration’s strategy, arguing that the negotiations are driven by key principles, including a permanent end to the war and ensuring that the conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield.

The Human Cost of the War and the Need for a Lasting Peace

The ongoing war in Ukraine has had a devastating human cost, with entire cities destroyed and countless lives lost. Waltz described the conflict as a "World War I-style meat grinder of human beings," emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. He stressed that economic integration and long-term military security guarantees, led by Europe, will be critical to ensuring lasting peace. However, Waltz also noted that the U.S. has borne the brunt of supporting Ukraine, and that American taxpayers deserve to see a return on their investments. This has led to calls for greater transparency in how aid is used and distributed, as well as a reevaluation of NATO’s collective commitment to Ukraine’s defense. Waltz ultimately framed the negotiations as an opportunity to redefine the conflict’s dynamics and secure a future where Ukraine can thrive without constant warfare.