Senior Washington officials indicated Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may have to step aside if a peace deal with Russia is to be reached, marking a dramatic shift in President Donald Trump’s approach to the war.
“We need a leader who can work with us, negotiate with the Russians, and bring this war to an end,” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told CNN. “If it becomes clear that President Zelensky’s personal or political motivations are preventing a resolution, then we have a serious issue.”
His comments, along with those from other key Republicans, come after a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday in which Trump clashed with Zelensky, calling him “disrespectful.” The fallout led to Zelensky leaving Washington without signing a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral rights with the U.S.
During the heated exchange, Zelensky argued that Ukraine still needed security guarantees before committing to a peace deal with Moscow after three years of war. However, Trump signaled on Sunday that the proposed mineral deal itself could provide the necessary security. In a repost on Truth Social, he shared a message stating, “Trump ensures that Americans will be involved in Ukraine’s mining industry… This prevents Russia from launching an invasion because attacking Ukraine would mean endangering American lives, forcing the U.S. to respond.”
Republicans Shift Focus to Zelensky
When pressed on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin could be trusted in negotiations, several Republican leaders instead suggested that Zelensky might be the greater obstacle to peace.
“Either he needs to come to his senses and return to the table with gratitude, or someone else needs to lead Ukraine to do so,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “It’s up to the Ukrainians, but we need Zelensky to do what is necessary.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed the sentiment on Fox News, saying Zelensky had “created a huge rift in the relationship.”
However, some Republicans pushed back against the idea of replacing Zelensky. Senator James Lankford, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told NBC, “I don’t agree. That would throw Ukraine into chaos at a critical moment.”
Democrats Condemn Trump’s Stance
Democrats fiercely criticized the administration’s handling of the situation. Senator Chris Murphy accused Trump of aligning with the Kremlin, saying, “The White House has become an arm of Russia.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, defended the administration’s position, insisting the U.S. remained realistic about Putin’s intentions. “No one here is saying Putin is getting the Nobel Peace Prize,” Rubio told ABC. “But you can’t end a war unless both sides come to the table.”
Concerns Over U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
The abrupt policy shift has unsettled European allies, who fear it could mark the most significant change to Western security since the post-World War II era.
Further uncertainty arose after billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump supporter with growing influence over government spending, posted on X in agreement with a call for the U.S. to withdraw from NATO and the United Nations.
While Trump has long pushed NATO allies to increase defense spending, he has also suggested he would consider pulling the U.S. out if members do not meet their financial obligations.
In response, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sought to reassure allies after crisis talks in London, stating that “the United States remains committed to the alliance.” European nations, he added, would increase their defense spending to counter rising concerns.
Regarding the UN, Trump recently criticized its operations, saying on February 4, “It has great potential, but they need to get their act together. Right now, it’s not being well run.”