National security adviser Mike Waltz shared his perspective on Ukraine’s potential NATO membership amidst recent peace talks. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s offer to resign in exchange for NATO accession, Waltz emphasized that the United States is not currently considering this option.
Peace Talks and Diplomatic Efforts
During a recent appearance at the ‘Ukraine. Year 2025’ conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to step down if it meant securing peace or NATO membership for Ukraine. However, Waltz clarified that the U.S. stance on Ukraine’s NATO integration differs from direct military involvement under Article 5.
Waltz’s comments followed his diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, where he engaged in discussions to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite the absence of Ukrainian officials in these talks, Waltz highlighted the Trump administration’s commitment to reaching a swift resolution.
Security Guarantees and Economic Proposals
Regarding Ukraine’s security, Waltz underscored the importance of European countries providing robust security guarantees. He advocated for European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, to assume greater responsibility for their defense.
Additionally, Waltz reiterated President Trump’s proposal to bolster Ukrainian security through rare mineral exchanges, despite Ukrainian officials showing limited interest in this initiative. He emphasized the economic benefits and stability such investments could bring to the region.
Future Prospects and Negotiations
While addressing speculations about a potential meeting between Putin and Trump, Waltz confirmed that no in-person discussions were scheduled at the moment. He remained optimistic about finalizing a deal to end the conflict promptly, aligning with President Trump’s objectives.
As the diplomatic efforts continue, Waltz reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for Ukraine and urged European allies to play a more active role in regional security. He highlighted the need for equitable burden-sharing and emphasized the significance of long-term stability in the region.
