U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended all military aid to Ukraine, citing the need to “ensure it contributes to a solution” in the ongoing war with Russia, White House officials confirmed.
The move follows a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office over efforts to secure peace in Europe.
“The president is committed to peace. We need our partners to share that commitment. Aid is being paused and reviewed to ensure it serves that goal,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
Trump has prioritized negotiating a peace deal to end the three-year conflict, urging Zelenskyy to demonstrate stronger support for this objective. The Ukrainian leader’s office has not responded to requests for comment.
The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine since Trump took office in January, signaling a more conciliatory approach to Russia. It also follows a tense White House meeting on Friday, where Trump reportedly criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough appreciation for U.S. support.
On Monday, Trump again lashed out at Zelenskyy, reacting to an Associated Press report quoting the Ukrainian president as saying the war’s end remains “very, very far away.”
“This is the worst statement Zelenskyy could have made, and America won’t tolerate it much longer!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Despite growing tensions, Trump indicated that a potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal remains on the table. His administration views the agreement as a way for the U.S. to recoup some of the tens of billions sent in aid since Russia’s invasion.
When asked Monday if the deal was off, Trump replied, “No, I don’t think so,” calling it a “great deal for us.” He is expected to provide further updates in his address to Congress on Tuesday.
