Trump Pauses U.S. Aid to Ukraine Amid Tensions with Zelenskyy
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a pause on U.S. assistance to Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting, aiming to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into peace negotiations with Russia.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, said Trump remains focused on securing a peace deal to end the ongoing war, now in its third year following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The official emphasized that aid is under review to ensure it contributes to a resolution rather than prolonging the conflict.
Growing Rift Between Trump and Zelenskyy
Tensions between the two leaders escalated after Zelenskyy suggested that peace remains “very, very far away,” remarks that drew sharp criticism from Trump and his allies. Trump, who has made ending the war a priority, took issue with Zelenskyy’s stance, expressing frustration on his Truth Social platform.
“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump wrote Monday. Later, at a White House event, he warned that if someone refuses to negotiate, “that person won’t be around very long.”
Vice President JD Vance and other Trump allies also criticized Zelenskyy for his lack of gratitude toward U.S. support since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Calls for Change in Ukrainian Leadership
The fallout from last week’s White House meeting has deepened concerns about U.S.-Ukraine relations. Some Trump-aligned officials are pushing for a shift in Ukraine’s approach—or even a change in leadership.
House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that Zelenskyy “needs to come to his senses and return to the table in gratitude, or someone else needs to lead the country.” Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime Ukraine supporter, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Zelenskyy “either needs to resign and send someone we can work with or change his approach.”
Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, questioned whether Zelenskyy is truly ready to compromise, warning that his position during the Oval Office talks cast doubt on his willingness to negotiate an end to the war.
Russia Watching as U.S.-Ukraine Relationship Fractures
Angela Stent, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely in no hurry to end the war, viewing divisions between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European allies as an advantage.
“He thinks Russia is winning,” Stent said. “And as time goes on, he believes the West will become more fractured.”
Scrapped Deal and Future Talks
The turmoil between the U.S. and Ukraine also derailed an expected agreement that would have granted the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources—partly as repayment for over $180 billion in aid provided since the war began. The deal, seen as a way to strengthen long-term ties, was abruptly shelved after last week’s Oval Office meeting collapsed.
However, Trump signaled he still views the economic pact as viable, calling it “a great deal” and hinting that he will address it during his upcoming speech to Congress. Meanwhile, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, spoke with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff on Monday and expressed confidence that the mineral deal would be finalized soon.
As tensions simmer, Ukraine’s future with U.S. support remains uncertain, with Trump and his allies pushing for a resolution that aligns with their vision for ending the war.
