White House adviser calls on Ukraine to ease criticism and finalize minerals deal

The White House is urging Ukraine to reduce its criticism and quickly sign a minerals deal promoted by President Trump. National security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for cooperation amid ongoing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy. Waltz described Ukraine's pushback on the minerals deal as unacceptable, highlighting the U.S. support for Ukraine. He stated that differences between the U.S. and Ukraine are not irreconcilable. Concerns have arisen over Ukraine and European leaders feeling excluded from peace talks initiated after a recent call between Trump and Russian President Putin. Waltz clarified that the U.S. is using shuttle diplomacy to engage both sides in the conflict.