US President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine, a White House official confirmed on Monday, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to enter peace negotiations with Russia. The move comes after a heated public exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the US administration pushes for a swift resolution to the ongoing war.
Trump Halts Military Aid, Citing Focus on Peace
“The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well,” a White House official told AFP on the condition of anonymity. “We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
While Trump had previously hinted at a potential pause, the official confirmation marks a significant shift in US policy. The aid suspension affects hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry intended for Ukraine, according to The New York Times.
Democrats Condemn Move as ‘Dangerous and Unlawful’
The decision has drawn strong criticism from congressional Democrats, who argue that suspending aid endangers Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
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“My Republican colleagues who have called Putin a war criminal and promised their continued support to Ukraine must join me in demanding President Trump immediately lift this disastrous and unlawful freeze,” said Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Trump Warns Zelenskyy, Calls for More ‘Appreciation’
During a White House press briefing, Trump expressed frustration with Zelenskyy’s stance on negotiations, stating that the Ukrainian leader should be “more appreciative” of US support. He further warned, “He (Zelenskyy) won’t be around very long” without a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
Zelenskyy, however, reiterated Ukraine’s position that peace can only come with firm security guarantees, stating, “An agreement on ending the war is very, very far away.”
European Nations Explore Alternative Peace Plans
Following urgent crisis talks in London over the weekend, Britain and France are exploring a proposal for a one-month truce between Ukraine and Russia, encompassing air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Reports suggest the plan may involve an international peacekeeping force on the ground.
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Zelenskyy, while open to discussions, emphasized that “real, honest peace” would only be possible with firm security assurances. He cited Ukraine’s 1994 agreement to denuclearize in exchange for protection from the U.S. and Britain, a promise he argues has not been upheld.
Amid escalating tensions, reports indicate that US and Russian officials have held direct talks regarding an end to the war. The development has sparked concerns among Kyiv and European allies, who fear that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s input could undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Moscow has accused Zelenskyy of obstructing peace efforts, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating, “He doesn’t want peace.”
Ukraine Faces Fresh Attacks as War Rages On
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Ukrainian officials reported significant casualties following a Russian missile strike on a military training facility near Dnipro. According to sources, the attack killed between 30 and 40 soldiers and wounded 90 others.
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With the war showing no immediate signs of de-escalation, Trump’s latest policy shift has not only reshaped U.S. involvement but also placed Ukraine at a critical crossroads in its fight for sovereignty and security.
