Zelenskyy May Need to Resign for Ukraine to Achieve Peace, says US Speaker Mike Johnson – wna24
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may need to step down to secure peace in his country, following a tense meeting between Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday.
“Something has to change,” Johnson said during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. “Either he needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude, or someone else needs to lead the country to do that.” His remarks echoed sentiments expressed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham after the meeting.
The Oval Office discussion, which was initially meant to focus on a minerals deal, quickly turned into a heated debate after Zelenskyy said conflict would visit US on its soil.
Following the exchange, Trump took to Truth Social, writing that Zelenskyy had “disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office” and that he could “come back when he is ready for peace.” The remainder of Zelenskyy’s visit was canceled, and he was escorted out of the White House, a move that sparked backlash from some lawmakers.
Republicans Divided on U.S. Approach to Ukraine
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, criticized Trump’s handling of the situation, warning that the U.S. is “walking away from our allies and embracing Putin.” Johnson, however, defended Trump’s position, arguing that it was Zelenskyy, not the U.S., who refused to engage constructively.
“The person who walked away from the table yesterday was President Zelenskyy,” Johnson said in an interview on CNN’s State of the Union.
Johnson Criticizes Russia But Stands by Trump’s Position
Despite backing Trump’s approach, Johnson did take a firm stance against Russia, making it clear that he views President Vladimir Putin as an adversary.
“I’d like to see Putin defeated, frankly,” Johnson said on NBC. “He is an adversary of the United States. But in this conflict, we’ve got to bring an end to this war. It’s in everybody’s interest.”
He also reiterated his position on CNN, stating, “Putin is the aggressor. It is an unjust war. We have been crystal clear about that.”
Johnson’s comments highlight the deep divisions in Washington over how to handle the war in Ukraine, with some leaders advocating for continued support while others push for diplomatic negotiations—even if that means a change in Ukraine’s leadership. It also highlights the divide over Russia. Trump seems interested in cleaving Russia off China, whereas Johnson, it appears, belongs to the neocon school, who view Russia as an adversary.