Security advisors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, are closely monitoring ongoing negotiations with Ukraine. Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland provided breaking news on Friday and joins us today to analyze the latest developments and what lies ahead.

There is a growing disconnect between the White House and Ukraine’s leadership. According to senior officials, no progress will be made on the minerals deal until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes a public apology for his conduct during his Oval Office meeting. However, Zelenskyy remains firm, insisting he can secure the deal without an apology.

“We are not backing down. Our policy remains consistent regardless of previous events. If we have agreed to sign, we are ready to proceed. I believe the United States will also be ready once they complete their analysis,” Zelenskyy stated.

Republicans in Washington are eager to secure a deal with Ukraine but are less concerned about whether it happens under Zelenskyy’s leadership or someone else’s. No one has publicly suggested a potential replacement for him yet. One senior official noted, “Either he needs to come to his senses and return to negotiations with gratitude, or someone else will have to lead Ukraine in that direction. Ultimately, it is up to the Ukrainians to decide.”

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to address the war in Ukraine, moving closer to his self-imposed deadline of ending the conflict within his first 100 days in office.

This situation echoes past frustrations between U.S. presidents and Zelenskyy. A resurfaced 2022 report revealed that President Joe Biden lost his temper with Zelenskyy after approving an additional $1 billion in military aid, only for Zelenskyy to immediately request more support. Biden reportedly raised his voice, urging Zelenskyy to show more gratitude.

Ambassador Gordon Sondland emphasized that Zelenskyy has miscalculated his approach. “President Trump is offering something better than a NATO Article V guarantee—billions in U.S. investment and thousands of American workers collaborating with Ukrainians. This minerals deal is just the beginning of a long-term partnership,” he explained. Sondland added that such an agreement would deter Russian aggression more effectively than NATO’s uncertain commitments.

European leaders criticized Trump’s handling of Zelenskyy, yet they, too, hesitate to send their own troops as peacekeepers. Sondland noted the irony, saying, “They want the U.S. to bear the costs and risks, while they dictate the strategy.”

The big question remains: Will Zelenskyy issue a public apology? Sondland believes it is necessary, stating, “President Trump wants an apology, not just for himself but for the American people. Now that this dispute has played out publicly, Americans understand what Trump is up against.”

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy recently posted on social media, reaffirming that Ukrainians will not accept a peace deal favoring Putin without security guarantees. Sondland criticized Murphy’s stance, calling it an insult and suggesting it undermines Trump’s position. “This was a chance for Democrats to unite in support of the President’s strategy. Instead, they are failing to see the bigger picture.”