U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary pause on military aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last week. The decision—affecting shipments of crucial military equipment such as anti-tank weapons, artillery rounds, and rockets that have not yet been delivered—is intended to pressure Kyiv into engaging in peace negotiations with Russia.
A senior White House official, speaking on background, said the U.S. is “pausing and reviewing” its assistance to ensure it contributes toward a resolution. The official stressed that this is a temporary measure, with aid potentially resuming if Ukraine demonstrates a renewed commitment to dialogue.
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The move comes on the heels of a heated Oval Office exchange last week, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support, leading to the abrupt termination of talks that were initially meant to solidify a new minerals agreement between the two countries.
Meanwhile, sources told Reuters that the U.S. is considering easing sanctions on Russia as part of broader diplomatic efforts to restore ties with Moscow and end the conflict. The White House has directed the State and Treasury departments to draft a list of sanctions that could be lifted in upcoming discussions with Russian officials. This marks a significant departure from the sweeping sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which targeted critical sectors like oil and gas with export price caps and restrictions on energy firms.
Despite previous threats to escalate tariffs, Trump’s latest approach suggests a potential recalibration in U.S. policy towards Moscow. On Monday, Trump indicated that a minerals deal with Ukraine could still proceed, offering the U.S. access to Ukraine’s extensive reserves of critical minerals—an arrangement viewed as a way to offset the over $180 billion in aid provided to Kyiv since the war began. When asked if the deal was off, Trump replied, “No, I don’t think so,” and promised further updates in his forthcoming address to Congress.
Vice President Vance added that increased American investment in Ukraine’s mineral sector could serve as a long-term security guarantee by giving U.S. stakeholders a vested interest in Ukraine’s future. “If you want to ensure Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the best guarantee is to have American economic stakes in Ukraine,” he said in a Fox News interview.
The U.S. decision to suspend military aid has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine and its European allies. Advocacy group Razom for Ukraine condemned the move, arguing that it leaves Ukraine vulnerable and emboldens Russia. “By abruptly halting military assistance, President Trump is leaving Ukrainians exposed and giving Russia the green light to keep advancing,” the group stated.
European leaders are also exploring new peace strategies, with France and Britain discussing potential troop deployments as part of a ceasefire plan, though Moscow has rejected such proposals. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that “a number of options remain on the table.”
Ukraine has not officially commented on the suspension of U.S. aid. However, Zelenskyy’s recent remarks expressing concern over the prolonged conflict reportedly angered Trump, who dismissed them as “the worst statement that could have been made.”
This dramatic turn in U.S.-Ukraine relations has raised significant concerns about Washington’s long-term commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression.
