Johnson: America kept Zelensky alive and in power. He must apologize.
According to the Independent, US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, referring to the tense dispute between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House and harshly criticizing Zelensky’s behavior towards Trump, said that he had never witnessed such an incident.
Johnson said, “In my career, I have participated in many bilateral meetings in which heads of state and other high-ranking officials were present. I have never seen behavior like Zelensky’s behavior there (the White House).”
He added: “Instead of appreciating the extraordinary assistance that America has provided to his country and has practically helped him survive and, as a result, remain in power, he berated his host and interrupted him in the middle of his speech! What happened was truly disappointing.”
He said that given Friday’s White House altercation and Zelensky’s behavior, if the Ukrainian president “doesn’t come to his senses and apologize to Trump, then we have to consider the possibility that someone else will have to take over the leadership of Ukraine.”
Johnson continued: Regarding the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Trump is the only person in the world who has the power to bring the parties to the negotiating table. But Zelensky ruined everything, and it was very disappointing for everyone. We have to bring him back to the negotiating table and we have to make Ukraine apologize for everything we did to him.
He previously described Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with CNN as an “old communist” and “former KGB agent” who “cannot be trusted.”
The American lawmaker claimed: “In my opinion, China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are participating in a new power axis and they are not on the side of the United States. Let’s be clear about this. At this critical time in the world, caution is needed.
Referring to the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Johnson added: “Trump has made it very clear. He is trying to be an agent of change and a mediator of peace to end this war.”