IN A MOVE that has significantly heightened pressure on Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations with Russia, US President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to the embattled nation, according to a White House official.
This decision comes on the heels of a dramatic public confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which highlighted deepening divisions over how to end the conflict.
The suspension of aid, which includes hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry, marks a sharp escalation in Trump’s efforts to push Kyiv towards a ceasefire with Moscow.
Trump has emphasised his focus on achieving peace, saying that partners must also commit to this goal.
A White House official noted that the aid is being reviewed to ensure it contributes to a solution, as reported by AFP.
Trump also warned that he would not tolerate Zelenskyy’s defiant stance for much longer, suggesting the Ukrainian leader should be more appreciative of US support.
In a stark warning, Trump said that Zelenskyy “won’t be around very long” without a ceasefire deal with Russia.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire for the war to end as soon as possible but emphasised that tough security guarantees are essential for any peace agreement.
His comments were met with criticism from Russia and Trump, who accused him of not being serious about peace.
The crisis has prompted Britain and France to explore proposals for a one-month truce, potentially backed by troops on the ground.
Zelenskyy has acknowledged that discussions are still in their early stages and that an agreement to end the war remains “very, very far away,” a statement that drew ire from Trump.
The situation has sparked concern among Washington’s allies about a potential shift in US policy towards Russia.
Kremlin officials have celebrated the rift, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing Zelenskyy of lacking diplomatic skills and not wanting peace.
In a recent video statement, Zelenskyy underscored the need for security guarantees, citing Ukraine’s denuclearization in 1994 in exchange for protection from the US and Britain. He argued that the lack of such guarantees allowed Russia to escalate the conflict.
As tensions escalate, Ukrainian officials reported significant casualties from a Russian missile strike on a military training facility near Dnipro.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in between 30 and 40 fatalities and 90 injuries, according to a respected military blogger.
The diplomatic fallout has been intense, with Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, describing the clash between Trump and Zelenskyy as a “deliberate escalation” by the US president.
The incident has also raised fears in Kyiv and Europe that any peace deal could compromise Ukraine’s future, especially if it is negotiated without their input.
-BTS Media
