White House National Security Advisor Says Trump is 'Very Disappointed' with Zelensky

Michael Waltz, the White House National Security Advisor, stated that the President of the United States is clearly very disappointed with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine. In a press conference on Thursday evening, Waltz said, 'Some of the explicit rhetoric and indeed insults directed at the President [Donald Trump] were unacceptable.' These remarks came in the wake of sharp criticisms exchanged between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in recent days. The U.S. President referred to Zelensky as a 'dictator without elections,' comments that elicited reactions from Ukraine, Europe, and some Republican lawmakers. Prior to this, the Ukrainian President had called Mr. Trump 'trapped in a bubble of Russian misinformation' and stated that his government was helping Moscow emerge from isolation after years through high-level talks. Waltz criticized Zelensky for not engaging in 'constructive discussions' regarding U.S. participation and investment in Ukraine's rare earth mining, instead hearing 'excessive and regrettable rhetoric' from him. He described the U.S. proposal to Ukraine as 'a historic opportunity' that would lead to 'long-term security for Ukrainians' and 'a larger economic pie for them.' He also emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to American taxpayers to recoup the hundreds of billions spent in U.S. aid for the war in Ukraine. One day prior to these remarks, Zelensky rejected the U.S. proposal, stating it did not provide specific security guarantees. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, referring to his upcoming trip to Washington, said he would ask Trump to stand up to Vladimir Putin and would also try to convince him that U.S. and European interests align. According to the White House, Trump will host the French President on March 6 and the British Prime Minister on March 9. In the meantime, Keith Klag, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, met with Zelensky during his first trip to Ukraine on Thursday. Zelensky praised the meeting, which 'revived hope,' stating in a nighttime video message, 'We need strong agreements with the United States' and 'economy and security must always go hand in hand.' A joint press conference between Zelensky and Klag was scheduled after their meeting but was canceled without explanation. Additionally, several senior members of the U.S. Republican Party criticized Trump's recent remarks about Zelensky and warned against appeasement of Vladimir Putin. Senator John Kennedy referred to the Russian President as 'a criminal with a black heart,' suggesting that serial killers would appear as Mother Teresa in comparison. Senator Roger Wicker also called Vladimir Putin a 'war criminal' and emphasized that negotiations to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine must involve Ukrainians while considering European interests. Some senior Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis, stated that they do not agree with labeling Zelensky as a 'dictator' without directly criticizing Trump. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also stated that he supports a peaceful outcome in Ukraine, 'and I think the administration, President [Trump], and his team are working towards that.'