US President Donald Trump has halted military aid to Ukraine, a White House official confirmed Monday, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to negotiate peace with Russia.
The decision follows a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has resisted calls for a swift ceasefire.
Trump had hinted at the possibility earlier in the day but did not commit to a pause when asked by reporters. Now, with the freeze in place, Ukraine faces immediate challenges in securing vital weaponry. A White House official, speaking anonymously, said the administration is reviewing the aid to ensure it aligns with efforts to end the war.
The move sparked backlash from congressional Democrats, who called it reckless and unlawful. Representative Gregory Meeks urged Republicans to oppose the decision, arguing that Trump’s actions contradict earlier commitments to support Ukraine against Russia.
Trump, however, doubled down on his position, suggesting that Zelensky should show more gratitude for US assistance. Speaking at the White House, he warned that without a peace deal, Zelensky’s leadership could be at risk.
The suspension affects hundreds of millions of dollars in military equipment already in transit, according to The New York Times. Meanwhile, Zelensky insisted he wants the war to end as soon as possible but maintained that real peace requires firm security guarantees.
Discussions on a potential ceasefire are underway, with Britain and France exploring a temporary truce covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure. However, Zelensky described an actual agreement as “very far away,” a remark that further frustrated Trump.
The freeze on US aid has raised concerns among Western allies about a shift in Washington’s stance toward Russia. Moscow, for its part, accused Zelensky of lacking diplomatic skills and dismissed his calls for stronger security assurances.
On the battlefield, Ukraine reported casualties from a Russian missile strike on a military facility near Dnipro, with estimates of up to 40 soldiers killed and 90 wounded.
Trump has previously criticized Zelensky’s leadership, calling him a “dictator” for not holding elections, despite martial law preventing a vote. Zelensky has rejected calls to step down, saying he would only leave office if Ukraine were granted NATO membership—something both Russia and now the Trump administration oppose.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed the latest tensions on Zelensky, accusing him of refusing to engage in serious peace efforts. US Vice President JD Vance echoed that sentiment, predicting that Zelensky will eventually come to the negotiating table.
With the conflict dragging on and US support now uncertain, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach to ending the war.