Trump has paused all current military aid to Ukraine until President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrates a commitment to peace, according to a senior Defence Department official speaking to Bloomberg.
The decision affects all U.S. military equipment not yet in Ukraine, including weapons currently in transit or waiting to be shipped from Poland. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, raising concerns about the impact on Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
Trump Warns Zelensky: ‘Won’t Be Around Very Long’
Trump’s decision comes after he issued a stern warning to Zelensky on Monday, stating that the Ukrainian leader “won’t be around very long” if he does not end the war soon.
The US president further criticized Zelensky, saying:
“If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long. That person will not be listened to very long. Because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal.”
This statement highlights a deepening rift between the two leaders, as Trump insists that a peace deal “should not be that hard to make”, while Zelensky has repeatedly stated that a resolution with Russia is still “very, very far away.”
US Demands Immediate Ceasefire, Blames Zelensky for Prolonging War
Sources within the Trump administration indicate that the United States is now pressuring Ukraine to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
Hardliners in Trump’s camp, including business magnate Elon Musk, have reportedly blamed Zelensky for prolonging the war rather than negotiating peace.
The military aid suspension follows a high-level meeting on Monday between Trump and key administration figures, including Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, where the decision was finalized.
Impact on Ukraine’s War Effort
The pause in military aid is expected to significantly impact Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities, as the country relies heavily on U.S. weaponry, intelligence, and financial support in its ongoing resistance against Russian forces.
With weapons in transit now frozen, analysts warn that Ukraine could face major logistical and strategic setbacks in the coming months.
The move also sends a strong message to NATO allies about a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, should he return to office.
Trump’s hardline stance on Ukraine signals a potential turning point in U.S. involvement in the conflict. With military aid now on hold, Zelensky faces increasing pressure to negotiate with Russia, while uncertainty looms over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defence efforts without continued American support.
As tensions escalate, the international community will be watching closely to see whether Zelensky concedes to U.S. demands for a ceasefire or continues to resist Russian aggression without guaranteed American backing.
