Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson recently shared his thoughts on the recent tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.
When moderator Kristen Welker inquired about Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks—who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine—suggesting that Zelensky may need to step down to facilitate peace negotiations with Russia, Johnson acknowledged the necessity for change.
Graham commented on Friday, stating, “What I witnessed in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I’m not sure we can work with Zelensky moving forward. He either needs to resign and allow someone else to take the lead, or he has to undergo a significant change.”
Johnson seemed to agree that “something has to change” for a peaceful resolution to be possible.
“Zelensky must either understand the situation and return to the negotiating table with a spirit of cooperation, or someone else should take the lead to guide the country in that direction,” Johnson conveyed to Welker.
Nevertheless, Johnson emphasized that Republicans view Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “serious threat” to the United States, affirming that the U.S. is “not abandoning Ukraine.”
He reiterated his belief that the potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement—which was a focal point of Trump’s discussion with Zelensky—would yield positive outcomes for all involved parties.
Johnson elaborated, stating, “This deal will provide us with access to crucial rare earth minerals while simultaneously bolstering Ukraine’s security.”
Following Trump’s engagement with Zelensky, U.S. lawmakers have voiced a spectrum of reactions concerning the growing tension between the U.S. and Ukraine.
These discussions come on the heels of Zelensky’s statements during a press conference on February 23—just before his crucial meeting with Trump—where he mentioned he would contemplate resigning if it would guarantee peace for Ukraine and facilitate NATO’s involvement.
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However, not all Republicans support the idea of Zelensky stepping down. Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma, also appearing on Meet the Press on Sunday, cautioned that Zelensky’s resignation could result in “chaos in Ukraine.” He expressed understanding for Zelensky’s plight, acknowledging his legitimate concerns regarding negotiations with Russia.
“We are not abandoning Ukraine, nor should we,” Lankford asserted. “Putin is a ruthless KGB thug who eradicates his political adversaries and rules as a dictator.”
Other lawmakers opposing the suggestion of Zelensky’s resignation include Independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who called Johnson’s remarks a “horrific suggestion” during his own appearance on Meet the Press.
“Zelensky is leading a nation fighting to uphold democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who has invaded his homeland,” Sanders stated.
As discussions about Zelensky’s leadership continue, he is presently in London attending a summit with other European leaders aimed at exploring avenues for peace in Ukraine. In the aftermath of Trump’s meeting with Zelensky, numerous European leaders have voiced their support for him. This gathering, led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is focused on both immediate and long-term security strategies for Ukraine.
“I want you to know that we stand with you and the people of Ukraine for as long as necessary, all of us gathered here,” Starmer conveyed to Zelensky during his opening remarks at the summit, which also included Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Starmer further elaborated that he and other European leaders aim to work alongside Ukraine to develop a strategy to end the conflict amid the ongoing war with Russia, which they plan to present to the U.S.
