The Trump administration has announced a pause in military aid to Ukraine following a tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Trump expressed displeasure at what he perceived as lack of gratitude from Zelenskyy for U.S. aid. The State Department had previously reported $65.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Before the aid pause was announced, Senate Republicans expressed hope for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine in order to facilitate a peace deal with Russia.
Following the meeting, Trump criticized Zelenskyy on Truth Social and in media interviews, accusing him of disrespect and suggesting he was seeking conflict rather than peace. Zelenskyy, however, indicated willingness to sign a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, increased their support for Ukraine in light of the tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Some U.S. lawmakers, such as Sen. Susan Collins, criticized the aid pause, with Collins calling it a critical time for Ukraine and expressing concern for the country’s wellbeing. Others like House Speaker Mike Johnson deferred to Trump’s decision on the matter. Overall, tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine continue to simmer amid differing perspectives on how to best approach the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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