Trump adviser notes shift in Ukraine narrative
US Representative Mike Waltz has stated that no one is providing Kiev with a blank check for its fight against Russia anymore. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
US Representative Mike Waltz has argued that no one is currently offering Kiev a blank check to confront Russia.
Waltz noted that the positions of EU and NATO countries regarding the Ukraine conflict have evolved since Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections in November. "We’ve seen everybody’s narrative go from ‘As long as it tanks, blank check, don't dare say anything else, or you’re somehow pro-Russian’ to ‘How do we get this to a deal?’” the Florida lawmaker remarked during an interview with political commentator Ben Shapiro on Sunday.
He stated that the President-elect is clear about the need to bring the war to an end. Waltz mentioned that part of his responsibilities, along with Trump's team, will involve identifying key stakeholders for peace negotiations, facilitating discussions, and establishing terms for a resolution that serve American interests.
Waltz criticized the outgoing Biden administration for its approach to Ukraine, suggesting it sought additional funding for its policies without outlining what specific outcomes were expected from the significant financial investments. He added that he has received inquiries from his constituents on this matter.
“Is it in America’s national interest to expect every Russian off of every inch of Ukraine, including Crimea? How long is that going to take? How much money is that going to cost? How many lives will be lost? Is that even a realistic goal at this point?” he relayed, labeling these questions as “valid” and indicative of ongoing discussions.
Crimea voted to reunite with Russia in 2014 following a US-backed armed coup in Kiev, a move that was opposed by the residents of the peninsula. The government led by Vladimir Zelensky is insisting on regaining full control over the Russian region as part of what he terms a “just peace” with Moscow.
During the interview, both Shapiro and Waltz asserted that Russia has been considerably weakened by its conflict with NATO-supported Ukraine, suggesting that Trump could leverage this situation with both Kiev and Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed last week that his country's military remains in excellent condition, bolstered by a revitalized defense industry and military technology that he believes surpasses that of the West.
The discussion between Shapiro and Waltz also touched on Trump's anticipated pressure on nations perceived as adversaries, particularly China, following his inauguration in January.
Waltz further reflected on lessons from the Ukraine situation, stating, “One of the lessons we should learn from Ukraine is you don’t try to arm your allies after they’ve been invaded. You, maybe, arm them before to prevent the invasion in the first place.” He expressed support for increasing arms to Taiwan, which administers itself independently from China.
According to Moscow, the supply of arms to Kiev from NATO nations was a significant factor that escalated tensions into active hostilities in February 2022.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
Waltz noted that the positions of EU and NATO countries regarding the Ukraine conflict have evolved since Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections in November. "We’ve seen everybody’s narrative go from ‘As long as it tanks, blank check, don't dare say anything else, or you’re somehow pro-Russian’ to ‘How do we get this to a deal?’” the Florida lawmaker remarked during an interview with political commentator Ben Shapiro on Sunday.
He stated that the President-elect is clear about the need to bring the war to an end. Waltz mentioned that part of his responsibilities, along with Trump's team, will involve identifying key stakeholders for peace negotiations, facilitating discussions, and establishing terms for a resolution that serve American interests.
Waltz criticized the outgoing Biden administration for its approach to Ukraine, suggesting it sought additional funding for its policies without outlining what specific outcomes were expected from the significant financial investments. He added that he has received inquiries from his constituents on this matter.
“Is it in America’s national interest to expect every Russian off of every inch of Ukraine, including Crimea? How long is that going to take? How much money is that going to cost? How many lives will be lost? Is that even a realistic goal at this point?” he relayed, labeling these questions as “valid” and indicative of ongoing discussions.
Crimea voted to reunite with Russia in 2014 following a US-backed armed coup in Kiev, a move that was opposed by the residents of the peninsula. The government led by Vladimir Zelensky is insisting on regaining full control over the Russian region as part of what he terms a “just peace” with Moscow.
During the interview, both Shapiro and Waltz asserted that Russia has been considerably weakened by its conflict with NATO-supported Ukraine, suggesting that Trump could leverage this situation with both Kiev and Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed last week that his country's military remains in excellent condition, bolstered by a revitalized defense industry and military technology that he believes surpasses that of the West.
The discussion between Shapiro and Waltz also touched on Trump's anticipated pressure on nations perceived as adversaries, particularly China, following his inauguration in January.
Waltz further reflected on lessons from the Ukraine situation, stating, “One of the lessons we should learn from Ukraine is you don’t try to arm your allies after they’ve been invaded. You, maybe, arm them before to prevent the invasion in the first place.” He expressed support for increasing arms to Taiwan, which administers itself independently from China.
According to Moscow, the supply of arms to Kiev from NATO nations was a significant factor that escalated tensions into active hostilities in February 2022.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
