National security adviser Mike Waltz recounted a pivotal moment when he informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that it was time to leave the White House following a tense Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. After the press exited, both sides retreated to separate rooms for discussions.
Waltz, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials, unanimously advised President Trump that further engagement with Zelensky was not feasible after the contentious meeting. Waltz was then tasked with delivering the message that Zelensky was no longer welcome at the White House.
Despite Zelensky's team expressing a desire to move forward, Zelensky himself remained argumentative, according to Waltz. The national security adviser emphasized the urgency of the situation to Zelensky, highlighting the limited time on the battlefield, the global context, and the finite nature of US aid and taxpayer support.
Waltz underscored that Zelensky needed to recognize the shift in approach under the new administration, emphasizing a commitment to a fresh perspective on peace. The meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky reportedly escalated as tensions rose over perceived issues of gratitude and differing viewpoints.
The breakdown in diplomatic relations between the parties unfolded as Zelensky's team grappled with the aftermath of the Oval Office encounter. The encounter serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in international diplomacy, particularly in navigating strained interactions between world leaders.
