Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his insights on the recent high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday.
When moderator Kristen Welker inquired about Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks—traditionally a staunch supporter of Ukraine—suggesting that Zelensky might need to resign for peace talks with Russia to advance, Johnson agreed that a change may be necessary.
Graham noted on Friday, “What I witnessed in the Oval Office was quite disrespectful, and I’m unsure if we can effectively collaborate with Zelensky going forward. He either needs to step down and appoint someone we can work with or undergo a significant change.”
Johnson seemed to support the idea that “something has to change” for peace to become a reality.
“Zelensky needs to understand the gravity of the situation and come back to the negotiating table with a spirit of cooperation, or someone else must lead the nation in that direction,” Johnson told Welker.
Nonetheless, Johnson stressed that Republicans view Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “serious threat” to the U.S., affirming that America is “not abandoning Ukraine.”
He reiterated his belief that the potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement—which was the primary topic during Trump’s meeting with Zelensky—would be advantageous for both countries.
Johnson elaborated, stating, “This will provide us access to crucial rare earth minerals while simultaneously bolstering Ukraine’s security.”

In the aftermath of Trump’s discussions with Zelensky, U.S. lawmakers have reacted in varied ways concerning the unraveling relationship between the United States and Ukraine.
This dialogue follows Zelensky’s statements during a press conference on February 23—just before his pivotal meeting with Trump—where he mentioned he might consider resigning if it could pave the way for peace in Ukraine and facilitate NATO’s involvement.
Read More: World Leaders React to Zelensky and Trump’s Oval Office Showdown
However, not all Republicans support the idea of Zelensky stepping down. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, also appearing on Meet the Press Sunday, cautioned that Zelensky’s resignation could result in “chaos in Ukraine.” 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 opponents and governs like a dictator.”
Other lawmakers opposing the notion of Zelensky’s resignation include Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who called Johnson’s comments a “horrific suggestion” during his own appearance on Meet the Press.
“Zelensky is leading a nation that is fighting to defend democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who has invaded his country,” Sanders stated.
As discussions about Zelensky’s leadership continue, he is currently in London attending a summit with other European leaders aimed at identifying pathways to peace in Ukraine. In the wake of Trump’s meeting with Zelensky, many European leaders have expressed their support for him. The summit, led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focuses 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 assured Zelensky during his opening remarks at the summit, which was also attended by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Starmer further elaborated that he and other European leaders aim to collaborate with Ukraine on a strategy to halt the ongoing conflict with Russia, which they plan to present to the U.S.