Quotes
It's just a cheap political point to say, 'Oh we've left all the negotiating cards off the table by recognizing some realities that exist on the ground,
he told the outlet
I can tell you that our president is going about this the wrong way; he is giving away his 'cards,' to use Trump's favored metaphor, up front, ... Trump seems to be viewing the entire war through Putin's distorted lens."
McFaul wrote in an opinion piece for U.S. News & World Report, addingThe United States has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine's defense, with no security, with no anything,
he saidThat was a train wreck by design. The quiet conversation since [the Munich Security Conference] has been about setting Ukraine up for a fall."
Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at King's College London's Russia Institute, didn't mince words when reacting to the meeting, telling The GuardianSimultaneously, ... we have had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace."
Trump saidToday our Ukrainian and U.S. teams began working on a meeting. Andriy Yermak and Mike Waltz spoke,
Zelenskiy said in his evening address, referring to his chief of staff and the U.S. national security adviser
Whoever believes that there is any space for Vladimir Putin and the future of a stable globe better go to Ukraine,
Tillis saidIf you believe that Ukraine is a country an ocean away and not relevant to our national security, think again."
Tillis also said
This week started with administration officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine. It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the White House that they may try to end all U.S. support for Ukraine,
Murkowski wrote in a Saturday postDiplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been checked at the door of the Oval Office today,
Curtis wrote on X on Friday, expressing hopeRussia is the aggressor. Clearly, they're the adversary in this particular case, but somebody has to stand in the middle and try to find a middle ground to get to a ceasefire to stop the killing. I think that's where the president wants to be in this case,
he saidI have empowered you to be a tough guy. You either make a deal, or we're out. You don't have the cards,
Trump said
The facts are Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Russia created this problem in the first place,
Rounds told NewsNation's Chris Stirewalt
The deterioration of the discussion among President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelenskyy was very unfortunate given how high the stakes are,
Collins said in a statementYou have no right to dictate what we should feel. You are gambling with World War III."
Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of being "disrespectful" and addedWe should be clear that we stand for freedom,
Bacon addedWe had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It's amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want PEACE,
Trump wrote online
The president and vice-president are not civilized at all,
one person remarkedThe U.S. not only sold Ukraine, but the reputation of the U.S. — the beacon of light — for 200 years,
another person wroteThe account must be controlled by Democrats,
wrote another user