US President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Russia. Read more on the latest developments and international reactions.
Trump suspends military aid to Ukraine
President Donald Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine, a White House official confirmed on Monday. This significant shift in US foreign policy intensifies pressure on Kyiv to enter peace negotiations with Russia, raising concerns over Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression.
The decision comes just days after a public confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump, who has been vocal about his desire for a swift resolution to the ongoing war, had earlier declined to rule out a suspension of aid when questioned by reporters. The halt in military support is expected to weaken Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russia’s invasion.
A White House official, speaking anonymously to AFP, stated, “The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well.” The official further emphasized that the aid pause was part of a broader review process to ensure that US assistance aligns with peace efforts.
The suspension of aid has sparked immediate backlash, particularly from congressional Democrats. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the decision, calling it “dangerous and unlawful.” He urged his Republican colleagues, who have previously denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, to demand the immediate reversal of the freeze.
Trump, on the other hand, issued a stark warning to Zelensky, criticizing his stance and lack of appreciation for US support. “Zelensky won’t be around very long without a ceasefire deal with Moscow,” Trump declared at the White House, further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv.
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According to reports from The New York Times, the suspension has already taken effect, impacting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry that was in the process of being sent to Ukraine.
Responding to this big move by Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his desire for an end to the war “as soon as possible.” However, he emphasized that any peace agreement must come with solid security guarantees for Ukraine. “It was the lack of security guarantees that enabled Russia to invade Crimea in 2014 and escalate the war in 2022,” he said in a video statement.
European allies, including Britain and France, are working on a potential truce proposal involving a one-month ceasefire covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Discussions remain in the early stages, with Zelensky acknowledging that a comprehensive agreement is still a long way off.
Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, labeled Trump’s decision a “deliberate escalation,” expressing concern that US support for Ukraine is being reconsidered. European leaders are now grappling with how to ensure continued support for Ukraine in the face of a potential US policy shift toward Russia.
The suspension of US military aid coincides with increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian military positions. Over the weekend, a Russian missile strike on a military training facility near Dnipro resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that between 30 and 40 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, with 90 others wounded.
Meanwhile, Trump has criticized Zelensky for not holding elections despite the ongoing war. He has labeled the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” despite martial law preventing any electoral process. Zelensky has dismissed such criticisms, maintaining that he will only step down if Ukraine secures NATO membership—a prospect opposed by both Russia and, increasingly, the US under Trump’s administration.
Trump’s decision has fueled speculation that the US may be shifting its stance on the conflict, potentially moving toward a policy that favors Russia. The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has accused Zelensky of lacking diplomatic skills, echoing Trump’s criticism. Moscow has further blamed Kyiv for escalating tensions with Washington, alleging that Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate is prolonging the war.
US Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that Zelensky will eventually agree to peace talks with Russia. “I think Zelensky wasn’t yet there, and frankly, he still isn’t there. But he’ll get there eventually—he has to,” Vance stated in an interview with Fox News.
Despite these developments, Ukraine continues to push for security assurances from Western allies. Zelensky has insisted that only firm guarantees can bring about a lasting peace, warning against any rushed settlements that could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.
The suspension of US military aid marks a critical moment in the Ukraine-Russia war. Trump’s decision not only affects Ukraine’s immediate defense capabilities but also signals a potential realignment in US foreign policy. As Kyiv scrambles to secure alternative support, European allies are left grappling with how to fill the gap left by Washington’s wavering commitment.
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AFP
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