President Trump ordered a moratorium on US aid to Ukraine in the war with Russia. This is the consequent move when they clash with Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky about the path to end the conflict.
“The president makes it clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to commit to that goal too,” a White House official said in a statement. “We are suspending and reviewing our assistance to ensure that it contributes to the solution.”
The suspension applies to all military aid on the ground in Ukraine, affecting the ammunition, tank weapons and other materials the United States has provided to Kiev since Russia invaded about three years ago.
Trump has been appointed with a drawdown agency of about $4 billion, available from previously approved parliamentary funding for Ukraine. That funds now appear to be ready to be unused.
The move is likely to increase pressure on Zelensky to return to Trump's good bounty or risk losing his position in the war. It could also highlight European countries that are trying to gather more support for Kyiv.
As of the end of fiscal year 2024, Congress approved nearly $183 billion in Ukrainian aid.According toFederal Government Surveillance Bureau. It is in the European UnionAbout $145 billion donatedIn full support for Ukraine since the start of the war.
Trump campaigned on a pledge to end the war in Ukraine. Since taking office, he has spoken with both Zelensky and Russian President Putin.
Tensions have risen between Trump and Zelensky in recent weeks after the US president called Ukrainian leaders “a scary, jobless dictator.” Trump recently suggested that Ukraine would blame the start of a war with Russia.
Zelensky replied when Trump lived in the “disinformation field.”
Tensions appeared to have peaked in a confrontational meeting at the Oval Office last Friday, but then Trump said the Ukrainian leader was “not ready for peace.”
Zelensky arrived at the White House last week and met with Trump to sign up for a deal that would allow the United States to access Ukraine's vital mineral supply. Trump promoted the deal as a way to regain some of the aid the US provided to Ukraine in its war with Russia, boosting Ukraine's economy in the long term.
However, Trump canceled peace talks and the deal was not signed after the elliptical office exploded.
Trump said early Monday that the mineral trade was not dead, and that Zelensky could resume consultations by expressing his appreciation for US support.
Updated on EST at 7:49pm.
