U.S. President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The decision, confirmed by a White House official on Monday, signals a shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, which has received significant military and financial assistance since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
However, rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv have put future aid in question.
“President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well.
We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” a White House official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The White House has not provided details on how long the pause will last or the exact amount of aid affected.
However, Trump’s frustration with Zelenskiy became evident after the Ukrainian leader stated that the war with Russia remains “very, very far away” from ending.
Reacting to the statement, Trump took to Truth Social, writing, “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!”
Since the war began, the U.S. Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in aid to Ukraine.
However, with growing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv, it was already uncertain whether the Trump administration would continue to provide the same level of support.
Meanwhile, discussions regarding a potential minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S. are ongoing.
Trump has expressed interest in securing American investment in Ukraine’s mineral resources, viewing it as a way to compensate for the billions spent on military and financial aid.
When asked about the status of the minerals deal, Trump responded, “No, I don’t think so,” suggesting that negotiations are still open.
He further described it as a “great deal for us” and announced that he would provide updates during his congressional address.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the issue, urging Zelenskiy to consider the economic benefits of such an agreement.
“If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine,” Vance stated in an interview with Fox News.
With tensions rising and aid being reconsidered, both nations find themselves in a delicate position.
While Ukraine continues to seek support in its ongoing conflict, the U.S. is increasingly prioritizing its own economic and strategic interests.
The coming days could determine whether the military aid suspension is temporary or part of a broader policy shift.
Trump’s upcoming congressional address is expected to shed more light on the administration’s stance regarding Ukraine’s future support.
