Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his perspective on the recent high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday.
When moderator Kristen Welker brought up Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks—who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine—suggesting that Zelensky might need to resign to pave the way for peace talks with Russia, Johnson acknowledged that change may be necessary.
On Friday, Graham expressed, “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 step aside for someone more amenable, or he must undergo significant changes.”
Johnson seemed to agree, stating that “something must shift” for any chance of establishing peace.
“Zelensky needs to understand the gravity of the situation and come back to the negotiation table with humility, or we require a new leader who can guide the country toward that goal,” Johnson told Welker.
Nevertheless, Johnson emphasized that Republicans view Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “serious threat” to the U.S., insisting that the nation is “not abandoning Ukraine.”
He also reiterated his belief that the potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement—which was a key topic during Trump’s meeting with Zelensky—would yield positive outcomes for all involved.
Johnson elaborated, saying, “It will provide us access to vital rare earth minerals while also bolstering the security of Ukraine.”
In light of Trump’s discussions with Zelensky, U.S. lawmakers have displayed a variety of reactions concerning the increasingly strained relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine.
These conversations follow Zelensky’s statements during a press conference on February 23—just before his crucial meeting with Trump—where he indicated he might consider resigning if it would help secure peace for Ukraine and foster NATO involvement.
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However, not all Republicans support the notion of Zelensky stepping down. Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma, who also appeared on Meet the Press Sunday, cautioned that Zelensky’s resignation could plunge Ukraine into “chaos.” He expressed understanding for Zelensky’s position, acknowledging his legitimate concerns regarding negotiations with Russia.
“We are not abandoning Ukraine, nor should we,” Lankford asserted. “Putin is a murderous KGB thug who eliminates his political rivals and rules as a dictator.”
Other lawmakers opposing the idea of Zelensky’s resignation include Independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who called Johnson’s suggestion “horrific” during his own appearance on Meet the Press.
“Zelensky is leading a nation that is defending democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who has invaded his homeland,” Sanders stated.
As discussions regarding Zelensky’s leadership continue, he is presently in London, attending a summit with other European leaders aimed at exploring potential pathways to peace in Ukraine. Following Trump’s meeting, many European leaders have expressed 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 was also attended by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Starmer further clarified that he and other European leaders aim to work with Ukraine on a strategy to halt the ongoing conflict with Russia, which they will subsequently present to the U.S.
