Waltz Warns Zelenskyy: "Badmouthing the US Is Unacceptable"
Pressures Ukraine to Sign Mineral Agreement Transferring 50% of Rare Earth Stake
"US Opposes Use of 'Russian Invasion' in G7 Statement"
The White House warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed dissatisfaction with the US-Russia ceasefire negotiations, that such behavior is unacceptable. It also pressured Ukraine to sign a mineral agreement that would transfer half of Ukraine's rare earth stake to the United States in exchange for ongoing weapons support. Furthermore, the US hinted at easing sanctions against Russia and openly accelerated its anti-Ukraine, pro-Russia stance by shielding Russia, the perpetrator of the war, even on multilateral diplomatic stages.
On the 20th (local time), Mike Waltz, White House National Security Advisor, stated in an interview with Fox News, "It is unacceptable to badmouth the United States in the media considering what the US has done for Ukraine." This was a warning directed at President Zelenskyy after he reacted against being sidelined in the US-Russia bilateral ceasefire talks held on the 18th.
Waltz also urged the signing of the mineral agreement proposed by the US to Ukraine. The mineral agreement essentially involves the US acquiring 50% of Ukraine's rare earth stake. Waltz said, "They (Ukraine) should reduce their complaints, carefully review the (mineral) agreement, and then sign it," adding, "Joint investment that grows Ukraine's share and allows their economy to prosper will be the best security guarantee."
He dismissed Ukraine's and Europe's objections that the parties were excluded from the ceasefire negotiations as "shuttle diplomacy." He explained, "We will proceed by talking to one side, then the other, and moving forward under the direction and leadership of President Trump," adding, "We are consulting with allies and Ukraine."
While the US has been sharpening its stance against Ukraine, the victim of the war, it has been shielding Russia, the instigator of the war, on multilateral diplomatic platforms.
According to foreign media, the US has refused to co-sponsor a draft UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. More than 50 countries have currently joined as co-sponsors of this resolution. The previous Biden administration, which led the international community's united response against Russia, had signed most UN resolutions condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine.
The US also refuses to use terms such as "Russian invasion" or "war." Foreign media reported that the US opposed including the phrase "Russian aggression" in the G7's statement marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. Last year's G7 statement mentioned "invasion" five times. Earlier, after the ceasefire talks with Russia, the US used the term "conflict" instead of "war" in briefings, effectively reflecting Russia's position. G7 member countries have also failed to reach an agreement on inviting President Zelenskyy to the virtual summit scheduled for the 24th.
The US also hinted at the possibility of easing sanctions on Russia. On the same day, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Bloomberg in an interview that the phrase "sanctions relief" was "a very good expression," indicating that the level of sanctions could be lowered.
This behavior by the US is seen as reflecting former President Trump's perspective on the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump has flaunted his friendship with President Vladimir Putin while defending Russia, the perpetrator of the war, and pressuring Ukraine, the victim. The day before, he called President Zelenskyy "a dictator who did not hold elections," and said, "Zelenskyy did terrible things, and his country has been shattered," blaming him for the war. There are growing concerns that by pushing for bilateral US-Russia negotiations excluding Ukraine and Europe, Trump aims to lead a ceasefire agreement favorable to Russia.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
