U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, a White House official confirmed on Monday.
The decision follows a high-profile public clash between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the U.S. leader pushes for a rapid end to the war.
The White House said the move was part of a broader review of American assistance to Ukraine to ensure it aligns with Washington’s foreign policy objectives.
“The President is focused on achieving peace. We need our partners to be equally committed to that goal,” a White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“We are pausing and reassessing our aid to determine if it is contributing to a long-term solution.”
The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from Congressional Democrats, who argue it undermines Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the move as both dangerous and unlawful, urging Republican lawmakers to demand an immediate reversal.
Trump, however, defended his stance, insisting Zelensky must show “more appreciation” for U.S. support.
He warned that the Ukrainian leader “won’t be around very long” if he refuses to negotiate a ceasefire with Moscow.
According to The New York Times, the aid freeze takes immediate effect, affecting hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of military equipment currently en route to Ukraine.
The move could significantly weaken Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian forces, raising concerns among U.S. allies.
In response, Zelensky reiterated his commitment to ending the war, but insisted on the need for strong security guarantees before any settlement.
He blamed the lack of such guarantees for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 2022 full-scale invasion, adding that “real, lasting peace” must be backed by firm international commitments.
The pause in U.S. military aid has triggered fresh diplomatic efforts from Britain and France, with reports suggesting they are exploring a one-month ceasefire covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure.
However, Trump’s decision has rattled European allies, with Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, accusing the U.S. president of “deliberate escalation”.
Meanwhile, Moscow has welcomed the development, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing Zelensky of lacking diplomatic skills and blocking peace efforts.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, expressed confidence that Zelensky would “eventually” agree to negotiations.
“He’s not there yet, but he’ll get there. He has no choice,” Vance stated.
Amid the diplomatic fallout, reports have emerged of direct U.S.-Russia talks on ending the war—without Ukrainian or European involvement.
The secretive discussions have fueled concerns in Kyiv and among NATO allies that Washington may be seeking a deal that could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.
With tensions rising, Ukraine is bracing for the potential consequences of Trump’s foreign policy shift, while European leaders scramble to fill the security vacuum left by Washington’s sudden disengagement.
