U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine, escalating pressure on Kyiv to engage in ceasefire negotiations with Russia. The decision follows a heated public dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Trump pushing for a swift resolution to the war.
A White House official confirmed the suspension on Monday, stating that the administration is reviewing aid to ensure it contributes to peace efforts. “The president is focused on achieving peace, and we need our partners to be committed to that goal as well,” the official said.
The move affects hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons and military support that were in the process of being sent to Ukraine. Trump also criticized Zelensky’s stance, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader should be “more appreciative” of U.S. support and warning that Ukraine “won’t be around very long” without a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
Zelensky Pushes Back
Despite Trump’s pressure, Zelensky maintained that security guarantees are necessary for lasting peace. In a video statement, he emphasized that past failures to secure Ukraine’s defense had enabled Russian aggression, referencing Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Russia dismissed Zelensky’s concerns, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing him of lacking diplomatic skills and refusing to negotiate peace. Meanwhile, European allies are working on alternative strategies, with Britain and France reportedly considering a temporary truce proposal.
Concerns Over U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
The suspension of aid has raised concerns among Washington’s European allies, who fear a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, called the situation a “deliberate escalation” by Trump.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of ongoing U.S.-Russia talks regarding a potential peace deal, a move that has sparked frustration in Kyiv and other European capitals. Ukraine remains wary of any agreement that could compromise its long-term security and independence.
As tensions mount, Ukrainian officials reported casualties from a Russian missile strike on a military facility near Dnipro, killing dozens of soldiers. The battlefield situation remains dire, with concerns that the U.S. aid suspension could further weaken Ukraine’s defenses.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-suspends-military-aid-to-ukraine-after-white-house-clash-with-zelensky/