'Ukraine is one of most corrupt countries': Waltz criticizes Zelenskyy over unsigned minerals deal

He said this on Fox News.

“Ukraine was and remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world. We must always protect our taxpayers; billions have gone there. I don’t think (I remember when I was in Congress) that the previous administration exercised proper oversight over the funds it provided,” the adviser said.

He added that the current U.S. administration should “closely monitor” this.

In addition, Waltz criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his dispute with Donald Trump in the White House and expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in signing the minerals agreement with Ukraine.

“Instead of trying to correct the president (Donald Trump — ed.) in the Oval Office during their first meeting, Zelenskyy could have sat side by side with him, signing the minerals agreement,” he noted.

The adviser added that Ukraine lost a “historic opportunity” to sign the minerals agreement in the White House.

• On February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington on a working visit. During a press conference with him, Donald Trump, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, a dispute arose.
• On April 17, Ukraine and the U.S. signed a memorandum, which is an official confirmation of both countries’ intention to complete preparations and conclude an agreement on minerals.