Washington: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should either "wake up and come to the negotiating table or let someone else take charge of the country."
Johnson made these remarks in an interview with NBC News, emphasizing that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia could only progress through U.S. mediation.
Johnson highlighted that President Donald Trump is actively seeking peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Referring to Zelensky’s recent meeting with Trump, he noted that the Ukrainian leader did not appear "ready to establish peace."
Trump, according to Johnson, has made it clear that if Zelensky is willing to negotiate, the U.S. would be prepared to mediate peace talks. However, Johnson criticized Zelensky's approach during his White House visit, claiming that instead of expressing gratitude for U.S. aid, he criticized his host and interrupted discussions.
Following the meeting, several top U.S. officials and members of Congress expressed frustration with Zelensky’s stance. Some accused him of taking an unreasonably tough position.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Trump as "the only person in the world" actively working to end the war. In an interview with CNN, Rubio stated, "We want to bring Russia to the negotiating table to secure peace for Ukraine, and we believe this is possible."
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz also criticized Zelensky's conduct, suggesting that the Ukrainian president had come to argue rather than seek solutions.
Meanwhile, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard praised Trump’s diplomatic approach, emphasizing that Russia has long sought to push the U.S. into a nuclear confrontation.
The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, also weighed in, stating that Trump prioritizes defending the American people and has revived a "peace through strength" policy on the global stage.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham echoed similar sentiments, declaring that he has "never been prouder of a president."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Americans are growing weary of the costs of the war, while accusing Zelensky of ignoring the realities of the conflict.
At the same time, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged Zelensky to find ways to strengthen ties with the U.S., stressing that American support is crucial for Ukraine. Rutte emphasized that NATO's collective cooperation is essential for securing peace.
Following his talks with Trump, Zelensky traveled to Europe, where several European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas suggested that "the free world needs new leadership," adding in a post on X (formerly Twitter): "Ukraine is Europe! We stand with Ukraine."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed solidarity, writing, "Ukraine can count on Germany and Europe."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez similarly affirmed Spain's support for Ukraine, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured Ukrainians, stating, "Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters in Portugal, reiterated that "Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine has been invaded."
Leaders from Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic also voiced their continued support for Ukraine on social media.
Trump, reflecting on his meeting with Zelensky, called it "very meaningful," adding that "many issues were clarified that could only be understood in such high-pressure discussions." He emphasized, "I don’t seek credit, I seek peace."
