National Security Advisor Mike Waltz declared at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday that President Donald Trump’s leadership is poised to swiftly conclude the Russia-Ukraine war, assuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would endorse the impending peace agreement. “Under Trump, this war will end. And it will end soon,” Waltz proclaimed, labeling Trump the “president of peace” amid escalating U.S. efforts to broker negotiations.
Context and Negotiations:
Waltz’s remarks follow high-stakes talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, where U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Vladimir Putin’s advisor Yuri Ushakov. The meetings aimed to outline a roadmap to end the conflict, with Waltz emphasizing coordination among Ukraine, Russia, and European allies to address “everyone’s needs” for a durable resolution. Vice President JD Vance reinforced this push on Thursday, aligning with the administration’s assertive diplomatic stance.
Tensions Between Leaders:
The push for negotiations coincides with rising friction between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump recently dismissed Zelenskyy as a “dictator” who “failed his country,” controversially suggesting Ukraine instigated the war ,a claim starkly contradicted by Russia’s February 2022 invasion. Zelensky retaliated by accusing Trump of amplifying Russian “disinformation” and reiterated that Kyiv would reject any peace deal made without its input. “Nobody decides anything behind our back,” Zelenskyy asserted during a press briefing in Turkey, underscoring Ukraine’s demand for agency in negotiations.
U.S. Pressure and Diplomatic Moves:
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg spearheaded discussions with Ukrainian officials on Wednesday, urging Kyiv to recognize the urgency of ending the conflict. “It isn’t in Russia’s or the American people’s interest for this war to grind on indefinitely,” Waltz stated, reflecting Trump’s growing impatience. Kellogg later affirmed on social media platform X the U.S. commitment to “sustainable peace,” though details of proposed terms remain undisclosed.
International Reactions and Path Forward:
Ukraine’s absence from the Saudi talks has drawn criticism, amplifying concerns over sidelined sovereignty. Meanwhile, European allies monitor developments warily, balancing support for Ukraine with fatigue over prolonged warfare. As Trump’s team presses for a pre-election breakthrough, Zelenskyy’s resolve faces unprecedented strain, with global attention fixed on whether Kyiv will concede to U.S. mediated terms or hold firm for conditions preserving territorial integrity.
With Waltz’s CPAC vow amplifying Trump’s “America First” diplomacy, the administration signals a decisive pivot toward ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades. However, reconciling Ukraine’s sovereignty demands with Russia’s ambitions—and Trump’s transactional approach—remains a formidable challenge. As Kellogg’s team navigates these tensions, the world awaits whether this push will yield lasting peace or deepen geopolitical fissures
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