Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his views on the recent tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.
When asked by moderator Kristen Welker about Senator Lindsey Graham’s comments—who has traditionally been a strong advocate for Ukraine—suggesting that Zelensky might need to step down for peace negotiations with Russia to proceed, Johnson acknowledged a need for change.
Graham remarked on Friday, “What I observed in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I’m uncertain if we can collaborate with Zelensky moving forward. He either needs to resign and send someone we can work with, or he must undergo a transformation.”
Johnson appeared to concur that “something must shift” for peace to be attainable.
“Zelensky either needs to realize the situation and return to the negotiating table with gratitude, or someone else must take the reins to lead the country in that direction,” Johnson told Welker.
Despite this, Johnson emphasized that Republicans recognize Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “serious threat” to the United States, asserting that the U.S. is “not forsaking Ukraine.”
He also reiterated his stance that the prospective U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal—which was the primary focus of Trump’s meeting with Zelensky—would be beneficial for all parties involved.
Johnson elaborated, stating, “It will grant us access to essential rare earth minerals while simultaneously enhancing Ukraine’s security.”
In the wake of Trump’s interactions with Zelensky, U.S. lawmakers have exhibited a range of responses regarding the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine.
These discussions follow Zelensky’s remarks during a press conference on February 23—prior to his significant meeting with Trump—where he stated he would consider resigning if it could ensure peace for Ukraine and facilitate NATO involvement.
Read More: World Leaders React to Zelensky and Trump’s Oval Office Showdown
However, not all Republicans are on board with the idea of Zelensky resigning. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, also appearing on Meet the Press Sunday, warned that Zelensky’s resignation could lead to “chaos in Ukraine.” He expressed empathy for Zelensky’s situation, noting his valid concerns regarding negotiations with Russia.
“We are not abandoning Ukraine, nor should we,” Lankford stated. “Putin is a murderous KGB thug who eliminates his political opponents and rules as a dictator.”
Other lawmakers joining the chorus against the suggestion of Zelensky’s resignation include Independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who labeled Johnson’s remarks a “horrific suggestion” during his own appearance on Meet the Press.
“Zelensky is at the helm of a nation striving to defend democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who has invaded his homeland,” Sanders remarked.
As debates surrounding Zelensky’s leadership unfold, he is currently in London, participating in a summit with other European leaders aimed at exploring pathways to peace in Ukraine. Following Trump’s meeting with Zelensky, many European leaders have rallied their support for him. The gathering, led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is focused on both short-term 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 was also attended by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Starmer further explained that he and other European leaders intend to collaborate with Ukraine on a strategy to halt the conflict amid the ongoing war with Russia, which they will present to the U.S.
