Trump Halts U.S. Military Aid To Ukraine, Tensions Zelenskyy
The United States has paused military aid to Ukraine, further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv amid a growing rift between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A White House official confirmed the move on Monday, stating that the aid freeze was under review to ensure it aligned with peace efforts, Reuters reported.
“President Trump has been clear that his priority is peace. We expect our partners to be equally committed. This review ensures our aid is part of the solution,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The White House did not specify the extent or duration of the aid suspension, and the Pentagon declined to comment. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s office and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for a statement.
Backlash from U.S. Lawmakers and Allies
Democrats in Congress condemned Trump’s decision. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned of severe consequences.
“By freezing military aid to Ukraine, President Trump has opened the door for Putin to escalate his brutal aggression. The repercussions will be devastating,” she said.
European leaders also voiced concern. French junior minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, argued that withholding arms would only benefit Russia.
“This strengthens the aggressor—Russia—on the battlefield,” Haddad told France 2.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committeesuggested a minerals trade deal between the U.S. and Ukraine could still move forward.
When asked if the deal was dead, Trump replied, “No, I don’t think so,” calling it “a great deal for us.” He promised to address the issue during his upcoming speech to Congress.
Vice President JD Vance urged Ukraine to accept the agreement.
“If Ukraine wants real security guarantees and to ensure Putin does not invade again, the best guarantee is giving Americans an economic stake in Ukraine’s future,” Vance said in a Fox News interview.
European Allies React
Before the aid freeze, European nations had rallied behind Ukraine, working on a potential peace plan. Some, including France and Britain, even considered deploying troops if a ceasefire were reached—an idea swiftly rejected by Moscow.
Hungary, a critic of EU sanctions on Russia, backed Trump’s decision.
“The U.S. president and the Hungarian government share the same stance: instead of prolonging the war with more weapons, a ceasefire and peace talks are needed immediately,” Hungary stated.
