Rep. Mike Waltz Fox News Interview
Mike Waltz, a member of the House of Representatives who has been nominated as the White House National Security Advisor for the second term of the Donald Trump administration set to launch in January next year, mentioned the need for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
On the 24th (local time), in an interview with Fox News, Waltz stated that President-elect Trump is concerned about the escalation of the war due to North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and Ukraine's use of long-range missiles. He said, "The President-elect is very concerned about the escalation and where this is headed," adding, "We need to responsibly end the war, restore deterrence and peace, and take the lead rather than just respond to escalation."
He also made it clear that plans for a ceasefire would be reviewed even before the launch of the second Trump administration. Waltz said, "President Trump has made it very clear that this war must end," and argued, "Whether it is an agreement or a ceasefire, we need to discuss who will sit at the negotiating table, how to get both sides to the table, and the framework of the deal." He emphasized, "We will work with the current administration until January next year, and continue our efforts thereafter."
He also mentioned that he met with Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor of the Joe Biden administration, and that both sides are cooperating closely. He stressed, "If the enemies think now is the time to drive a wedge between the two administrations (Biden and Trump), they are mistaken," adding, "We are a team with the United States in the transition of power with a close relationship." Regarding the Biden administration’s approval of the use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine, he indirectly expressed support, saying it was necessary to prevent Russia from securing territory.
Furthermore, he conveyed that he met with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), regarding the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, and said, "Europeans will play an important role."
Regarding the future China policy of the second Trump administration, he explained, "There will be much more discussion about how to bring supply chains for critical minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals, and others back to the United States in the competition with China, as well as about the strength of our economy and markets."
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