National security adviser Mike Waltz clarified on Monday that the notion of Ukraine becoming a NATO member is not currently under consideration, contrary to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent proposal to resign in return for his nation's inclusion in the military alliance.
Waltz, speaking on Fox News' "Fox & Friends," emphasized, "I do not foresee the United States advocating for Ukraine's entry into NATO and subsequently deploying U.S. troops immediately under Article 5 or for Ukraine's defense... this differs significantly from the U.S. commitment to NATO and its existing member states."
Peace Offer and Negotiation Efforts
President Zelenskyy, during the "Ukraine. Year 2025" conference in Kyiv, expressed his willingness to step down in exchange for peace or NATO membership for Ukraine. This offer comes in the midst of ongoing efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Following discussions in Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Waltz highlighted the absence of Ukrainian representatives at the negotiations. Ukrainian officials cited lack of invitation and reiterated their stance against any imposed deals, especially those involving ceding Russian-occupied territories.
Challenges and American Support
Waltz acknowledged the heightened tensions and the urgency to reach a resolution swiftly. In response to recent social media comments by President Donald Trump, Waltz underscored the importance of finalizing a peace agreement expeditiously.
Regarding future security arrangements for Ukraine, Waltz indicated U.S. support for robust security guarantees from European allies. He urged European nations like France and the United Kingdom to commit to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Economic and Strategic Proposals
Highlighting the longstanding burden on U.S. taxpayers for European defense, Waltz called for increased European investment in defense. He reiterated Trump's proposal of leveraging rare minerals for American security assistance to Ukraine, a proposition that Ukrainian officials have yet to embrace.
Waltz emphasized the potential economic benefits and stability that such investments could bring to the region. He stressed the importance of economic security as a vital component of Ukraine's overall security strategy.