U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine following a dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a White House official confirmed. The move marks a deepening rift between Washington and Kyiv, as Trump continues to reshape U.S. policy on Ukraine and Russia.
The decision follows a heated exchange at the White House, where Trump reportedly criticized Zelenskiy for not showing enough appreciation for American support in Ukraine’s war against Russia.
White House Justifies Aid Suspension
A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated, “President Trump remains committed to peace, and we expect our partners to share that commitment. This pause allows us to review the aid to ensure it contributes to a resolution.”
The White House has not specified how long the suspension will last or the exact amount of aid affected. The Pentagon also declined to provide further details. Meanwhile, requests for comments from Zelenskiy’s office and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington went unanswered.
Political Backlash and Security Concerns
Democratic lawmakers have strongly condemned Trump’s decision. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the move strengthens Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position.
“By freezing military aid, Trump has effectively given Putin a green light to escalate his aggression against Ukraine,” Shaheen said.
Trump, however, doubled down on his stance, expressing frustration over Zelenskiy’s recent comments suggesting the war was “far from over.” Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “This is the worst statement Zelenskiy could have made. America will not tolerate this much longer!”
Impact on Ukraine’s Defense and U.S. Assistance
Since Russia’s invasion, Congress has approved $175 billion in aid for Ukraine. The Trump administration inherited $3.85 billion in authorized assistance, but tensions between the two nations have raised doubts about whether that aid will be fully utilized.
Trump’s latest move goes beyond his previous “no-new-aid” policy and appears to freeze the delivery of munitions, missiles, and military systems approved by the Biden administration. However, Trump hinted that a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal could still proceed despite his frustrations with Kyiv.
Economic Interests and the Minerals Deal
Trump suggested that an agreement allowing U.S. investment in Ukraine’s critical mineral sector remains on the table.
When asked if the deal was dead, Trump responded, “No, I don’t think so,” calling it a “great deal for us.” He is expected to provide more details during his upcoming address to Congress.
Vice President JD Vance urged Ukraine to accept the minerals deal, arguing that U.S. economic stakes in Ukraine’s future would serve as a stronger security guarantee than military aid alone.
“If Ukraine wants lasting security and to deter Putin, giving Americans an economic incentive in Ukraine is the best way forward,” Vance told Fox News.
European Allies Push for Peace
As the U.S. reassesses its aid, European nations are rallying behind Ukraine. France, Britain, and other allies have explored the possibility of sending troops if a ceasefire is reached, though Russia has already rejected such proposals.
Hungary, a frequent critic of Western aid to Ukraine, supported Trump’s stance. A government statement read, “Like President Trump, we believe that instead of prolonging war through arms shipments, urgent peace talks and a ceasefire are needed.”
