Pressure Putin and Zelensky: what Waltz, who is being considered as Trump’s aide, proposes

Republican Congressman from Florida Mike Waltz, who has been described in the media as a potential future National Security Advisor to Donald Trump, discussed in an interview shortly before the elections how his party member might push Ukraine and Russia toward a peace agreement if victorious.

Waltz stated that Vladimir Putin could be pressured by reducing Russia’s revenue from oil and gas exports. This would involve strengthening sanctions, increasing the sale of American energy resources, and providing Ukraine with long-range weapons.

According to his comments, these actions could be taken if the Russian president rejects the “Trump plan.”

“First of all, energy sanctions against Russia should be strengthened. Russia is essentially a gas station with a nuclear arsenal. Currently, Putin is selling more oil and gas than before the war, largely to China and India. If we combine this with developing our own energy sector and lifting restrictions on the export of liquefied natural gas, his economy and military machine would quickly deplete their resources,” Waltz stated.

While he did not outline specific measures to pressure Ukraine, Waltz mentioned that “we have sufficient leverage over Zelensky to bring them to the negotiating table.”

It is worth noting that, according to leaks from Trump’s campaign team, his intended approach following a victory would involve freezing the war along the front lines, allowing Russia to retain occupied territories. The Republican also aims to delay Ukraine’s admission to NATO for decades.