Mike Waltz, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated on Wednesday, February 19, that Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will travel to Washington next week amid negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. In an interview with Fox News, Waltz responded to a question about the likelihood of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, saying that the United States is engaging with all parties and is preparing specialized groups for the next steps to begin more detailed negotiations. Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, referred to Volodymyr Zelensky as 'a relatively successful comedian' and 'a dictator without elections' on Wednesday, February 19. Trump wrote on his 'Truth Social' platform: 'Volodymyr Zelensky asked the United States to spend $350 billion, to enter a war that cannot be won, a war that should never have started, but a war that he, without the United States and Trump, will never be able to resolve.' He emphasized that 'the United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe, and Europe's money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back,' criticizing former President Joe Biden for not demanding equality. The U.S. President noted that 'this war is much more important for Europe than for us,' adding: 'Zelensky admits that half of the money we sent him is missing, he refuses to hold elections, and his popularity in Ukrainian polls is very low.' The U.S. President added: 'A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move quickly, or there will be no country left for him.' He pointed out that the United States is 'successfully negotiating to end the war with Russia,' stating that this is an action 'that everyone acknowledges only Trump and the Trump administration can accomplish.' Donald Trump emphasized: 'I love Ukraine, but Zelensky has done a terrible job, his country is in ruins, and millions have died for no reason.' The U.S. President mentioned on Tuesday, February 30, that there is a 'possibility' of meeting and discussing with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, by the end of this month.
U.S. Official: Macron and Starmer to Meet Trump
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Washington for discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war. Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a 'dictator without elections' and suggesting that the U.S. is negotiating peace in a way that only his administration could achieve. This highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the war's management.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet in Washington to discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky and claimed that only his administration could successfully negotiate peace.
- Macron and Starmer's visit is part of efforts to negotiate peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Trump's comments reflect a significant criticism of Zelensky's leadership and the U.S. financial support for Ukraine.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2014, with significant geopolitical implications for Europe and beyond. The U.S. has been a major supporter of Ukraine, while Russia seeks to expand its influence.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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