Picture Credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times
US President Donald Trump has temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine following a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last week, Fox News reported.
According to Fox News, the decision affects all forms of assistance, including weapons already in transit or stationed in Poland.
The Trump administration insists that aid will resume only when Ukrainian leaders demonstrate greater appreciation for US support and a clear commitment to peace.
A senior administration official confirmed that the pause is not a permanent termination but will remain in place until Ukraine shows willingness to engage in good faith negotiations.
The official stated, “This is not permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause. The orders are going out right now.”
During last week’s Oval Office meeting, Trump was direct in his criticism of Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian leader ‘does not have the cards’ and is not showing enough gratitude for US assistance in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
The two leaders had a tense exchange during a press conference, where Zelenskyy stressed the need for security guarantees and pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had continued his aggression even during Trump’s first term.
VP JD Vance Defends Trump; Criticizes Zelenskyy Over Ukraine Remarks
US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, calling Zelenskyy’s remarks ‘disrespectful’ and arguing that it was inappropriate to criticize the administration working to prevent Ukraine’s destruction.
Trump reiterated the importance of striking a peace deal to end the war, telling Zelenskyy “if you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”
Speaking earlier during an investment announcement, Trump addressed the possibility of a ceasefire, emphasizing that negotiations require cooperation from all involved, including European nations.
Urging broader participation in peace talks, he remarked, “It takes two to tango, and if you are going to have to make a deal with Russia and Ukraine, you are going to have to have the assent and the consent from the European nations.”
He warned that those resisting negotiations may not stay in power for long and suggested a swift resolution if all sides are willing.
“Maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long,” Trump asserted.
He further added, “Because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal. I believe certainly the people of Ukraine want to make a deal. They have suffered more than anybody else.”
Also Read: Trump Warns Zelensky Ukraine War May Be Settled Without Him
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