House Speaker: Zelenskyy Could Be Forced to Resign Due to Dispute with White House
According to the speaker, “The Ukrainian president must regain his composure and return to negotiations with gratitude, or the country may require new leadership.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might have to step down following a well-publicized clash between him, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance during a meeting in the Oval Office last week.
On February 28, Zelenskyy had a meeting with Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others, during which he engaged in a public dispute with them in front of reporters, centered around discussions of a mineral rights agreement and the resolution of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
He further remarked that Zelenskyy “needs to come to his senses and return to the table with gratitude, or someone else needs to lead the country” if the U.S. is to continue collaborating with Kyiv on a peace agreement, emphasizing that the Trump administration “has made it very clear” that if Ukraine and Zelenskyy are prepared for a deal, “we can negotiate one.”
The discussion involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance was initially intended to precede a minerals agreement that would benefit the U.S., aimed at ensuring ongoing security assurances for Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy’s visit was abruptly shortened, prompting Trump to later comment on social media that the Ukrainian leader “disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office” and that he could “return when he is ready for Peace.”
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Johnson asserted that Murkowski is “clearly mistaken” and stated that “the individual who walked away from the table was President Zelenskyy.”
Johnson’s comments regarding Zelenskyy’s potential resignation echoed those made by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a key Republican supporter of Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict, who mentioned on February 28 that Zelenskyy may need to step aside.
“My question is, ‘Is he redeemable in the eyes of Americans?’ The majority of Americans witnessing today’s events would likely not want Zelenskyy as their business partner, including myself, and I have visited Ukraine nine times since the start of the war,” Graham expressed to Fox News last week.
Additionally, Graham suggested that Zelenskyy should offer an apology to Trump. “If he is unable to do so, then Ukraine should either provide us with a new representative to negotiate with or accept the consequences.”
The Meeting
The February 28 meeting at the White House began to descend into chaos when tensions escalated between Zelenskyy and Vance, as it became evident that Zelenskyy was not prepared to make concessions to Russia for a peace agreement. Vance also appeared to take issue with what he perceived as a lack of humility from the Ukrainian leader, who was seeking assistance from the United States. When Vance pointed out that Ukraine, having limited leverage, needed to adopt a more diplomatic stance, Zelenskyy challenging asked: “What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you referring to? What do you mean?”
“I’m referring to the diplomacy that seeks to end the destruction of your country,” Vance replied. “Mr. President, with all due respect, it seems disrespectful to come into the Oval Office and attempt to litigate this matter in front of American media. Right now, your government is conscripting soldiers to the front lines because of a lack of manpower. You should be expressing gratitude to the president for endeavoring to end this conflict.”
During the exchange, Zelenskyy warned, “During this war, everyone has their challenges, even you. However, you have a beautiful ocean and currently do not feel it. But, in the future, you will feel it,” he stated.
This choice of words prompted a quick reaction from Trump: “You cannot predict that. Don’t tell us what we will feel. We are trying to resolve an issue. Don’t project your fears onto us.”
Trump added that Zelenskyy was “not in a position to make demands” and stressed, “You’re in a weak position. You don’t hold the cards right now. With our support, you start to regain leverage.”
“You’re risking the lives of millions and playing with the prospect of World War III,” Trump stated emphatically.
Zelenskyy responded, “What exactly are you referring to?”
Trump reiterated, “You’re gambling with World War III. What you’re doing is highly disrespectful to the nation that has provided you with substantial support.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
