Quotes
Until we have a ceasefire, I would give Ukraine what they need in terms of intelligence and weapons to defend themselves,
Graham said
We’re trying to integrate our economies. We’re trying to make sure that Ukraine has value to the American economy — a win-win situation,
said Graham, who had previously called on Zelenskyy to resign after the Oval Office meetingI’ve been very tough to Russia, tougher than anybody has ever been to Russia, if you think about it.”
Trump also responded to criticism that he hasn’t been tough on Russia, telling Bartiromo_(cropped).jpg)
I think so. I think it’ll happen.”
Asked about the minerals deal in Ukraine during a separate interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump told Maria Bartiromo
The baffling thing about Trump's post today flaying Russia for its latest barrage of missile attacks on Ukraine is that it follows, by a few days, the [POTUS]'s decision to withhold from Ukraine the intelligence-sharing it needs to better repel such attacks. #confusing."
David Axelrod, a political commentator and President Barack Obama's chief campaign strategist, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday
You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have."
Zelensky attempted to interject, but Trump eventually raised his voice, warningBased on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!
The president wrote in a Friday post on Truth Social
Mr. President, with respect. I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media."
Vance told ZelenskyPresident Zelensky sent a letter to the president, I think the president thought it was a really good positive first step, and from that, we have now, we are now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyad, or even in Jeddah, so the city's moving around a little bit, but it will be Saudi Arabia, and I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement, and an initial ceasefire as well."
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told reporters outside the White House on ThursdayI presented the vision that swift progress toward peace is possible, and together with our partners, we understand what steps can stop the war, guarantee security, and ensure a just and lasting peace. We are preparing practical proposals."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in part on XThe war must end as soon as possible, and Ukraine is ready to work 24/7 with our partners in the United States and Europe for peace."
He addedNobody has been tougher on Russia than Donald Trump,
declared the president
I do, I’ve had it checked."
The interviewer then asked whether Ukraine really does have significant rare-earth mineral resources, to which Trump responded
The United States was the pillar around which peace was managed, but it has changed alliance. Trump mouths the propaganda of Putin. We have entered a new epoch."
Valérie Hayer, the president of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, told The New York TimesSo, Trump doesn't trust Zelensky is completely serious about negotiations. He's also keeping the pressure because he wants Zelensky to agree to whatever conditions Trump negotiates with Putin. People will die. Zelensky is willing to pay the price in lives lost to protect Ukraine's red lines. Trump is willing to let him—and to push even harder on the future if Zelensky doesn't comply. So, the conflict is far from over."
Mylovanov added
With this monstrous act Trump has made the United States a military ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia in its brutal and murderous war of aggression against Ukraine. One of the darkest, most shameful days in American history. Both FDR and Reagan spinning in their graves."
In a post on X, Schama wroteTrump has but cut off weapons and intel to Ukraine, per CIA and FT. The intel freeze is brutal—no more strikes on high-value moving targets. But on stage yesterday, he smiled and read Zelensky's letter about peace."
Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics, in a series of posts, wrote on X
I think, if we can nail down these negotiations and move toward these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause."
In an interview with Fox News, regarding restoring the provision of aid to Ukraine, Mike Waltz, White House national security adviser, saidTrump stopped the intelligence sharing that helps Ukraine target Russian forces launching deadly attacks. He cut off the US security aid Ukraine needs to defend itself from them. He emboldened Putin by extorting Ukraine. This blood is on Trump's hands."
Dylan Williams, the vice president for Government Affairs at the Centre for International Policy, wrote on XThis is one of those days of massive historical importance, world historical importance. It is a day of horrible infamy. It feels like being around the day the Munich Agreement was signed between Neville Chamberlain and Hitler, and it's world overturning, really."
In his interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on March 4, regarding the White House's decision to halt aid to Ukraine and stop sharing U.S.-generated intelligence, Schama said