Trump adviser says Ukraine resolution needs to be 'permanent'
Mike Waltz has emphasized that history demonstrates the inadequacy of temporary measures.
TroibNews 
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for a long-term solution to the Ukraine conflict, following high-level discussions between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia.
Waltz, who was part of the US delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, reported that progress was made in the talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov led the Russian delegation and indicated that both countries have agreed to initiate a process aimed at resolving the conflict.
“This needs to be a permanent end to the war, and not a temporary end, as we’ve seen in the past,” Waltz stated during a press conference in Riyadh.
The negotiations are expected to address issues concerning territory and security guarantees. The previously Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye became part of Russia following referendums held in 2022, while Crimea had voted to join Russia in 2014. Ukraine, on the other hand, is determined to regain control over these regions, with Russia firmly rejecting Kiev's claims.
Historically, the Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015 aimed to cease hostilities between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics but resulted in significant tensions, as Moscow has frequently accused Kiev of violations. The situation escalated in 2022, prompting President Vladimir Putin to launch military operations.
Germany and France, the guarantors of the failed Minsk agreements, later admitted that their support was merely a tactic to allow Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities.
In recent comments, US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of Ukraine regaining some territory, though he noted that a return to pre-2014 borders is “unlikely.” Moscow has maintained that any peace agreement must tackle the underlying issues contributing to the conflict, such as Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine is an unlikely scenario in ongoing peace negotiations.
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Zelensky mentioned that if Ukraine is not integrated into the US-led military alliance, it will require significant assistance from the US and EU to bolster its military strength to match that of Russia.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
Waltz, who was part of the US delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, reported that progress was made in the talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov led the Russian delegation and indicated that both countries have agreed to initiate a process aimed at resolving the conflict.
“This needs to be a permanent end to the war, and not a temporary end, as we’ve seen in the past,” Waltz stated during a press conference in Riyadh.
The negotiations are expected to address issues concerning territory and security guarantees. The previously Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye became part of Russia following referendums held in 2022, while Crimea had voted to join Russia in 2014. Ukraine, on the other hand, is determined to regain control over these regions, with Russia firmly rejecting Kiev's claims.
Historically, the Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015 aimed to cease hostilities between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics but resulted in significant tensions, as Moscow has frequently accused Kiev of violations. The situation escalated in 2022, prompting President Vladimir Putin to launch military operations.
Germany and France, the guarantors of the failed Minsk agreements, later admitted that their support was merely a tactic to allow Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities.
In recent comments, US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of Ukraine regaining some territory, though he noted that a return to pre-2014 borders is “unlikely.” Moscow has maintained that any peace agreement must tackle the underlying issues contributing to the conflict, such as Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine is an unlikely scenario in ongoing peace negotiations.
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Zelensky mentioned that if Ukraine is not integrated into the US-led military alliance, it will require significant assistance from the US and EU to bolster its military strength to match that of Russia.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
