US NSA Mike Waltz says Donald Trump ‘very frustrated’ with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

US national security advisor

Mike Waltz has said that US President Donald Trump is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war but is increasingly frustrated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not 'been willing to take this opportunity.'
Waltz’s remarks hint towards growing tensions between Trump and Kyiv as the US president met with Russian delegation and spoke to President Vladimir Putin on phone.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Waltz said that Trump is focused on stopping the war. "His (Trump’s) goal is to bring this war to an end," Waltz said. He described the ongoing battles as "World War I-style trench warfare" and said that Trump believes it is time for Ukraine to take peace negotiations seriously.
Waltz also criticised Zelenskyy’s stance, arguing that the Ukrainian leader has failed to seize opportunities to end the war.

"President Trump is very frustrated with President Zelenskyy because he hasn't come to the table and hasn't been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered," he said. "I think he eventually will get to that point, and I hope so very quickly", Waltz added.
US frustration over war costs
Beyond negotiations, Waltz elaborated concerns over the financial strain on the US in supporting Ukraine. "It is unacceptable that the United States and its taxpayers continue to bear the burden, not only of the cost of war in Ukraine but also of the defence of Europe," Waltz said. He called on Nato allies to contribute more, pointing out that a third of them have still not met their defence spending commitments.
Trump has echoed these frustrations, arguing that the US has spent $200 billion more than Europe on the war. According to Fox News, he believes Ukraine must take responsibility for its future rather than rely solely on US support.
US-Russia talks and Ukraine’s absence
Waltz also confirmed that the Trump administration has initiated discussions with Russia to explore pathways for peace. "We just had our historic talks, mediated by our good friend and partner—Saudi Arabia," he said. "We sat, for the first time in years, with the Russians and talked about the path forward with peace", Waltz added.
However, these meetings have sparked criticism, as Ukrainian officials were not included.
Trump’s team, including secretary of state Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov without Ukraine or European representatives present.
Zelenskyy and European leaders have expressed concern over this approach, fearing it could sideline Ukraine’s interests.
The strain between Trump and Zelenskyy has grown in recent days, with both leaders exchanging sharp remarks. Trump recently described Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" and accused him of mismanaging US aid. In response, Zelenskyy claimed Trump was spreading "Russian-made disinformation," AP reported.
Despite the tensions, Waltz maintained that Trump’s priority remains securing peace. "His goal here is to bring this war to an end, period," he reiterated.