United States President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary halt to military aid for Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last week.
The decision, which freezes shipments of critical military equipment, is seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv into engaging in peace talks with Russia.
A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told news agencies that the US is “pausing and reviewing” its assistance to Ukraine to ensure it is “contributing to a solution.” The move applies to all military equipment not yet delivered, including anti-tank weapons, artillery rounds, and rockets.
The official noted that Trump was frustrated with Zelenskyy’s approach and believes Kyiv must show greater commitment to negotiations to end the ongoing war with Russia. "This is not a permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause," the official told Fox News, adding that assistance could resume if Ukraine demonstrates a renewed willingness for dialogue.
The decision follows a tense Oval Office exchange last week in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelenskyy for not expressing sufficient gratitude for US support. The discussion, initially expected to cement a new minerals agreement between the two nations, ended abruptly, with White House officials asking the Ukrainian delegation to leave.
Sanctions relief for Russia under consideration
In a parallel development, sources told Reuters that the US is exploring potential sanctions relief for Russia as part of broader efforts to restore diplomatic ties with Moscow and bring an end to 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 representatives.
The move marks a significant shift from previous US policy, which saw sweeping sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These measures targeted key sectors, including the country’s oil and gas industry, with a price cap on Russian oil exports and restrictions on energy firms.
Despite threatening to escalate sanctions in January, Trump’s latest approach signals a possible recalibration in Washington’s stance toward Moscow.
Minerals deal still on the table
While tensions between the US and Ukraine have escalated, Trump suggested on Monday that a minerals deal between the two nations could still materialize. The proposed agreement would grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast critical mineral reserves—seen as a way to offset the over $180 billion in aid provided to Kyiv since the war began.
When asked if the deal was dead, Trump told reporters at the White House, “No, I don’t think so,” adding that he would provide further updates in his upcoming address to Congress.
Vice President Vance also weighed in, arguing that American investment in Ukraine’s minerals could serve as a long-term security guarantee. “If you want to make sure Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the best guarantee is to give Americans economic stakes in Ukraine’s future,” Vance said in a Fox News interview.
European reaction and Ukraine’s response
The US decision to halt military aid has drawn sharp reactions from Ukraine and its European allies. Advocacy group Razom for Ukraine condemned the move, stating that it effectively leaves Ukraine vulnerable while emboldening Russia. “By abruptly halting military assistance, President Trump is hanging Ukrainians out to dry and giving Russia the green light to keep marching west,” the group said.
European nations have also been working to formulate a peace plan, with France and Britain discussing potential troop deployments in the event of a ceasefire—though such proposals have been rejected by Moscow. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that “a number of options remain on the table.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine has not officially commented on the suspension of US aid. However, Zelenskyy recently expressed concerns about the war’s prolonged nature, a statement that reportedly angered Trump, who deemed it “the worst statement that could have been made.”
