Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: In a major policy shift, US President Donald Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine on Monday, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to enter peace negotiations with Russia. The decision comes just hours after Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that he “won’t put up” with his stance much longer.
A White House official, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed the suspension, stating, “The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well.” The aid freeze, which is already in effect, impacts hundreds of millions of dollars in weaponry that was in the process of being delivered to Ukraine.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky Escalate
Trump’s move follows a heated exchange with Zelensky, who has insisted that tough security guarantees are the only viable path to ending the war. Zelensky accused Russia of not being serious about peace, while Trump countered that Ukraine should be more “appreciative” of American support.
At a White House briefing, Trump remarked that Zelensky “won’t be around very long” without a ceasefire agreement with Moscow, further raising concerns about US foreign policy shifts under his administration.
Meanwhile, European leaders, including officials from Britain and France, are now exploring a one-month truce proposal, which could include military monitoring on the ground.
Ukraine Reacts to the Aid Suspension
Zelensky, in a video statement, reiterated that “real, honest peace” is only possible with firm security guarantees from the West. He referenced Ukraine’s 1994 denuclearization agreement, arguing that the lack of Western security commitments emboldened Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 and launch the full-scale invasion in 2022.
On the battlefield, Ukraine reported fresh Russian missile strikes near Dnipro, killing up to 40 soldiers and injuring 90 others.
Russia and US Talks Stir Concern
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Zelensky “demonstrated a complete lack of diplomatic abilities”, suggesting Ukraine was resisting peace talks.
The US and Russia have already initiated discussions about ending the war, a move that has alarmed Kyiv and European allies, fearing a deal could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, labeled Trump’s confrontation with Zelensky a “deliberate escalation”, adding to growing concerns about Washington’s shifting stance on Ukraine.
With Trump pressing for a quick resolution, and Kyiv resisting what it sees as premature concessions, the future of US-Ukraine relations hangs in the balance.
