President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on all military aid to Ukraine, intensifying pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskiy just days after a contentious meeting in the Oval Office left the support of Ukraine’s most critical ally in question.
According to a senior Defense Department official, who requested anonymity to discuss private deliberations, the U.S. is freezing all pending military assistance until Trump determines that Ukraine’s leaders are making a genuine commitment to peace. Additionally, a White House official noted that the administration will review the aid to ensure it contributes to resolving the conflict.
This order impacts all U.S. military equipment not currently in Ukraine, including weapons in transit on aircraft and ships, as well as items awaiting transit in Poland. Although the exact number of affected weapons remains unclear, Trump has inherited from former President Joe Biden the authority to deliver $3.85 billion worth of weapons from U.S. stockpiles.
Trump is keen on quickly negotiating a deal to end the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. However, during their recent Oval Office meeting, when Zelenskiy sought security guarantees to prevent future Russian violations of any potential agreement, Trump responded angrily, telling him to return when he was prepared to pursue peace.
As a result, the two sides abandoned plans for a mineral resources deal that was viewed as a possible step toward a ceasefire. This development has prompted European allies to scramble to devise plans to continue supplying Ukraine with weapons and offer peacekeeping forces for any agreement. However, European nations lack many of the arms and capabilities that the U.S. currently provides, and allied officials have indicated that weapon supplies may only last until summer.
The pause in aid is a significant setback for hopes of a peaceful resolution between the two sides. Earlier on the same day, Trump had kept the possibility of signing the minerals deal with Ukraine open, and European leaders expressed optimism that it could still be salvaged. “It’s a great deal for us,” Trump told reporters, adding, “I’ll let you know tomorrow,” when he addresses a joint session of Congress.
He remarked that Zelenskiy “should be more appreciative” of the billions in U.S. assistance that Ukraine has received to combat Russia’s invasion. Vice President JD Vance, who participated in the heated exchanges with Zelenskiy at the White House last week, stated on Fox News with Sean Hannity that “the Russians are going to have to give up stuff. The Ukrainians are going to have to give up stuff.”
He added, “When they’re willing to talk peace, I think President Trump will be the first person to pick up the phone.” Leaders from the UK and France, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, are working on a temporary ceasefire proposal to present to Trump. This proposal would allow for detailed discussions to initiate a durable long-term peace plan. Interestingly, the aid pause may be part of Trump’s strategy.
Defence-related stocks rose across the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday, with analysts suggesting that regional companies may benefit from increased demand from Europe. Shares of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Co. and Hyundai Rotem Co. soared by more than 11%, while IHI Corp. in Tokyo gained nearly 7%. European leaders believe that Trump is attempting to pressure Zelenskiy into apologizing and signing the minerals agreement, according to sources familiar with the situation who chose to remain anonymous.
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