Trump Halts Military Aid to Ukraine
President Donald Trump has suspended all U.S. military aid to Ukraine following a heated dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The suspension, announced on Monday, is seen as an effort to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. "We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution," a White House official said.
The aid freeze will affect billions in U.S. military assistance, including weapons already in transit. While the exact scope of the suspension is unclear, officials say Ukraine’s air defense and artillery supplies could suffer if the pause lasts for an extended period. European allies were caught off guard, with France condemning the decision and Britain reiterating its commitment to Ukraine.
The Kremlin welcomed the move, claiming it could push Kyiv towards peace, though European leaders remain skeptical of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmakers are scrambling to find alternatives, as their forces rely heavily on U.S. support. A European Union summit is set to discuss increased defense spending in response.
Trump’s decision follows a clash with Zelenskiy at the White House, where he criticized the Ukrainian leader for not showing enough appreciation for U.S. support. Trump has also refused to commit to security guarantees for Ukraine, further straining relations. He has, however, left open the possibility of an economic deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Democrats in Congress denounced the aid freeze, warning it emboldens Russia. "By freezing military aid to Ukraine, President Trump has kicked the door wide open for Putin to escalate his violent aggression," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. As Ukraine prepares for a difficult summer, its leadership is left weighing difficult choices amid growing uncertainty.
