Amidst ongoing discussions about resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, national security adviser Mike Waltz recently outlined key principles for potential negotiations between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. This comes as Trump seeks a deal to end the conflict, which began nearly three years ago with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Significance of the Talks
Trump’s recent phone conversations, one with Vladimir Putin and another with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signal a potential shift in the approach of U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Trump’s stated goal is finding a path to end what he describes as a “horrible, very bloody war.” However, the absence of Zelensky in the conversation between Trump and Putin has sparked concerns that Ukraine’s interests may not be adequately represented in future peace negotiations considering the extensive war crimes and alleged genocide perpetrated by the Russian federation.
Notably, this approach also diverges from the Biden administration’s principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” aiming to ensure Ukraine’s direct involvement in any discussions concerning its future.
Key Tenets for Peace, According to Mike Waltz
During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Mike Waltz addressed the crucial elements that would shape potential peace talks. He outlined four key tenets designed to facilitate a lasting resolution:
- Permanent End to the War: Waltz emphasized the necessity of a definitive resolution, rather than a temporary cessation of hostilities. He stressed the goal must be to establish lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
- Negotiated Settlement: Acknowledging the devastating human toll, Waltz asserted that a resolution cannot be achieved solely on the battlefield. He described the conflict as a “World War I-style meat grinder,” highlighting the need for diplomatic channels and strategic peace talks to pave the path to de-escalation.
- Restructured Aid Approach: Waltz suggested that the structure of allied support for all parties should shift, with emphasis on security guarantees and investment opportunities to offset the cost of economic aid.
- Economic Integration: Economic integration was framed as a factor promoting stability and conflict resolution. Waltz indicated that future economic partnerships would represent the best chance at a peaceful resolution.
Waltz also mentioned discussions regarding a possible economic partnership with the U.S. to safeguard their security and provide return on the investment for the extensive aid provided to Ukraine, describing partnership with President Trump “I can’t think of any better security guarantee than being co-invested with President Trump”.
Reactions and Perspectives
President Donald Trump affirmed that Ukraine would “of course” have a place at the negotiation table, envisioning a process that includes Ukraine, Russia, and other relevant parties.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, indicating that Ukraine would participate in the negotiations and all relevant parties must have their interests observed in order to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. He said there would be a bilateral Russian-American track of this dialogue, and a track that would be related to Ukraine’s involvement.”
Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, voiced strong objections to any decisions made without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Zelensky emphasized the importance of Ukrainian participation, underscoring that the conflict directly impacts Ukraine and its people.
U.S. Army General (Ret.) Jack Keane expressed the view that Putin might be open to a peace agreement and ceasefire under the right conditions, but remains committed to his strategic goal of toppling the government in Ukraine and to take over the country.”
The Road Ahead
Various reports suggest upcoming talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia. Mike Waltz confirmed that President Trump initiated these conversations personally with President Putin, signaling a push to expedite efforts to end the conflict. He stated the intention to “bring everyone together as appropriate.”