Waltz Says 'Time is Not On Zelenskyy's Side' After Peace Talk Kerfuffle with Trump

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the fallout from Friday's tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a recent appearance on Fox News, saying the latter was "not ready to talk peace at all," yet "time is not on his side."

In addition, Waltz called the communication breakdown "ridiculous and unacceptable," as Zelenskyy's apparent disinterest in ending the Russia-Ukraine war is a disservice, as "the American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited, and our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited."

"So the time to talk is now, and what we are hearing in terms of alternatives, whether it is the Democrats or leaders around the world, is essentially continuing this grinding, World War I-style trench warfare that is a meatgrinder of people, munitions, and national treasure. The President campaigned on ending this war, he was elected to end this war. He will be the peacemaker in chief," Waltz continued.

Co-host Bill Hemmer noted that the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union are drafting various terms to ensure the war ends and peace is maintained, asking if Russian President Vladimir Putin has felt enough pressure to come forward for peace talks.

Waltz answered that remained to be "tested, but what we do not have right now is President Zelenskyy saying, 'I am ready to take the steps necessary and have the conversations necessary and make the compromises necessary to end the fighting and go to a ceasefire."

Moreover, Waltz suggested terms for at least a temporary ceasefire before Friday's debacle. Still, if Zelenskyy is truly ready to end the war, "we need to hear that latter piece from Zelenskyy, and we need to hear it publicly."

Co-host Dana Perino further asked if a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine would be reached between Trump and Zelenskyy or another leader. Waltz said that "what happened Friday really put that up in the air," yet to end the war, "both sides are going to have to make compromises."