Today marks the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the White House, where he is expected to urge President Trump to take a more active role in the ongoing peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has even indicated that he would be willing to step down if it would secure peace and NATO membership for Ukraine.

National Security Adviser Michael Waltz provided updates on the negotiations, which are currently ongoing. He emphasized the significant support the United States has provided to Ukraine over the past three years and expressed frustration with the slow progress. Waltz stressed that Ukraine and Zelenskyy need to recognize the opportunity at hand and commit to a future of economic partnership and growth, particularly in developing the country’s natural resources.

When asked about reports that Zelenskyy had privately and publicly stated he would step down as part of a peace deal, Waltz dismissed the idea, stating that such a proposal was not under consideration. He also clarified that while the U.S. remains fully committed to NATO and its obligations under Article 5, direct military intervention in Ukraine is not part of the current strategy. Instead, he highlighted ongoing discussions among European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, regarding security guarantees for Ukraine.

Waltz reiterated the U.S. position that European nations must take greater responsibility for their own defense. He noted that America has long called for Europe to contribute more, as U.S. taxpayers have borne a disproportionate share of NATO’s costs for decades.

On the topic of a potential meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Waltz stated that no such meeting is currently scheduled. He explained that negotiations at lower levels are ongoing, focusing on a cease-fire in Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations. A key first step in improving relations, he noted, is re-establishing fully functional embassies in both countries, which would facilitate diplomatic engagement.

Regarding a proposed mineral deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, Waltz explained that Ukraine possesses vast reserves of valuable resources such as aluminum, titanium, and tritium. He emphasized that U.S. investment could help Ukraine fully develop these resources, benefiting both countries economically. Waltz argued that a shared economic partnership would be more advantageous than Ukraine attempting to develop these resources independently. He also made it clear that the U.S. would protect its investments in Ukraine.

The discussion then shifted to the situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Waltz commented on recent developments, including the return of hostages and Hamas’s request for an extension in negotiations. He criticized Hamas for acting in bad faith and stated that President Trump’s strong stance had compelled movement in the negotiations. Waltz insisted that Hamas would not be allowed to continue governing Gaza and that the U.S. and Israel are committed to preventing another attack like that of October 7.

In conclusion, Waltz emphasized that securing Ukraine’s future requires both military and economic stability, that European nations need to take on a greater role in their own defense, and that Hamas cannot be allowed to maintain power in Gaza. The negotiations on all fronts remain ongoing, with key decisions expected in the near future.