‘Pausing and reviewing’: Donald Trump halts Ukraine aid after Oval Office clash, warns Zelenskyy on war talks
President Donald Trump ordered a “pause” on US military aid to Ukraine on Monday following a tense Oval Office meeting, aiming to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toward peace talks with Russia.
The White House has announced a review and temporary pause on aid to ensure it supports a peaceful resolution. “The President 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 said anonymously.
The official said that all US military equipment not yet in Ukraine would be halted, including weapons en route by air or sea and those held in transit areas in Poland. Trump directed defence secretary Pete Hegseth to implement the pause, the source added.
Also read: ‘Won’t be around long’ without deal, says Trump while escalating criticism of Zelenskyy after White House clash, warns against prolonging war
Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated after the Ukrainian leader said that ending Russia’s war was still “very, very far away.” Trump, who has prioritised a quick resolution, criticised Zelenskyy’s remarks on his Truth Social platform, warning that the US would not tolerate such statements much longer.
During a White House event, Trump referenced Zelenskyy’s comments, saying the Ukrainian leader “better not be right about that.” He also suggested that leaders unwilling to negotiate peace “won’t be around very long” or “won’t be listened to for long.”
The strained relationship reached a breaking point last week when Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy over his lack of gratitude for US support. The meeting ended badly, and White House officials abruptly asked the Ukrainian delegation to leave.
Trump allies have since increased pressure on Zelenskyy. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested Ukraine should either cooperate with Trump’s peace efforts or find new leadership. Senator Lindsey Graham echoed this, saying Zelenskyy “either needs to step down or change.”
