In a move that significantly raises tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on military aid to Ukraine, a White House official confirmed on Monday. The decision comes just days after a heated public exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Russia.
During a press briefing earlier that day, Trump did not rule out the possibility of suspending aid. His administration has now followed through, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as it continues to fend off Russian aggression. “The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well,” an anonymous White House official told AFP. The official added that aid is being “paused and reviewed” to ensure it contributes to a peaceful resolution.
Political Backlash
The decision sparked immediate criticism from congressional Democrats, who labeled it reckless and unlawful. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on his Republican colleagues to demand an immediate reversal. “My Republican colleagues who have called Putin a war criminal and promised their continued support to Ukraine must join me in demanding President Trump immediately lift this disastrous and unlawful freeze,” Meeks stated.
Trump, for his part, signaled his frustration with Zelensky, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader should show greater appreciation for U.S. support. Speaking at the White House, Trump warned that Zelensky “won’t be around very long” without a ceasefire deal with Russia. The aid freeze affects hundreds of millions of dollars in weaponry that was in the process of being delivered to Ukraine, The New York Times reported.
Zelensky Stresses Need for Security Guarantees
Amid the escalating tensions, Zelensky reiterated his desire for the war to end “as soon as possible” but emphasized that Russia has not demonstrated a serious commitment to peace. He insisted that strong security guarantees were essential to ensuring a lasting resolution.
“It was the lack of security guarantees for Ukraine 11 years ago that allowed Russia to start with the occupation of Crimea and the war in Donbas,” Zelensky said in a video statement, referencing Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent military campaign.
Russia, however, dismissed Zelensky’s concerns, accusing him of obstructing peace efforts—a narrative echoed by Trump and his administration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Zelensky’s handling of last Friday’s Oval Office meeting, claiming he “demonstrated a complete lack of diplomatic abilities.”
European Allies React
In response to the crisis, Britain and France are reportedly working on a proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure. However, discussions remain in early stages, with Zelensky suggesting that “an agreement on ending the war is very, very far away.” His remark reportedly angered Trump, who has been pressing for a swift resolution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, accused Trump of deliberately escalating tensions. European leaders are increasingly concerned that U.S. foreign policy is shifting in a way that could benefit Russia at Ukraine’s expense.
Ongoing Military Conflict
As diplomatic maneuvering continues, the reality on the ground remains dire. Over the weekend, a Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian military training facility near Dnipro, about 130 kilometers from the front lines. A well-known military blogger reported that the attack resulted in 30 to 40 casualties, with approximately 90 others wounded.
Trump has previously criticized Zelensky’s leadership, labeling him a “dictator” for not holding elections—despite martial law preventing such a vote. Zelensky dismissed any calls for resignation, reaffirming that he would step down only if Ukraine were granted NATO membership, a move strongly opposed by both Russia and, now, the Trump administration.