The U.S. National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, has warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to refrain from making disparaging remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump.
Waltz issued this warning on Friday as pressure mounted on Zelensky to negotiate mineral rights in exchange for Washington’s continued support in defending Ukraine against Russia.
Tensions between Trump and Zelensky over the proposed mineral deal—which Kyiv has rejected—as well as Washington’s outreach to Moscow, have escalated this week, with both leaders exchanging sharp criticisms at press conferences and on social media.
Zelensky has accused Trump of succumbing to Russian disinformation, while Trump, in turn, has blamed Zelensky for the war and labeled him a dictator who refuses to hold elections.
“Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump were unacceptable.
President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelensky—the fact that he hasn’t come to the table, that he hasn’t been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered,” Waltz said.
News360 Info reports that the United States remains a crucial financial and military supporter of Ukraine. However, Trump has unsettled Kyiv and its European allies by initiating talks with Moscow, which they fear could result in a settlement favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The dispute has become personal, with Trump falsely claiming that Zelensky is unpopular among Ukrainians, while Zelensky has countered by accusing Trump of operating within a Russian disinformation narrative.
Tech tycoon and Trump supporter Elon Musk weighed in on Thursday, asserting that Ukrainians despise their president and backing Trump’s decision to exclude Zelensky from discussions with Russia.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Zelensky stated on Thursday that he had a productive meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv.
