President Trump has ordered a halt on U.S. aid to Ukraine amid rising tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the war’s resolution. A White House official stated, “The President has been clear that he is focused on peace, and we need our partners to share that goal.” The aid pause affects all military support not yet delivered to Ukraine, including munitions, anti-tank weapons, and other materials provided since Russia’s invasion.
Trump had access to nearly $4 billion in funding for Ukraine, but this now seems likely to remain unused. The decision is expected to increase pressure on Zelensky to repair relations with Trump or risk losing support in the conflict. It also shifts focus to European nations for increased support. Since the war’s start, Congress has approved nearly $183 billion in aid to Ukraine, while the European Union has contributed around $145 billion. Trump has long campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine and has engaged with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Recent tensions with Zelensky escalated when Trump called him a “dictator without elections” and criticized his handling of the situation. Zelensky responded by accusing Trump of spreading “disinformation.” The dispute reached a peak during a tense meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump said Zelensky was “not ready for peace.” Zelensky had hoped to finalize a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral supply, which Trump had suggested could help offset U.S. aid while boosting Ukraine’s economy. However, peace talks were abruptly halted, leaving the deal unsigned. Trump later stated the deal was still possible if Zelensky shows gratitude for U.S. support.
