International News - Trump Pauses US Military Aid to Ukraine as Rift with Zelensky Deepens

President Donald Trump has announced a pause on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, citing concerns over Kyiv’s approach to peace efforts. The decision follows a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, escalating tensions between the two leaders.

A White House official confirmed the move, stating:

"President Trump 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."

No details have been provided on the duration of the pause, and Ukraine has yet to officially respond.

Kremlin Welcomes US Aid Suspension

The Kremlin has praised Trump's decision, calling it the "best contribution to the cause of peace." Russian officials suggested that the move could push Ukraine toward negotiations while acknowledging that European nations would likely attempt to compensate for the loss of U.S. military support.

European Response: ‘Era of Rearmament’

In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has laid out a five-point plan to boost Europe’s defense spending, emphasizing the need for greater military self-sufficiency. The proposal includes:

Increased defense spending by EU member states
A €150 billion loan program for military investment
Mobilization of €800 billion in funding for military capabilities

“This is Europe’s moment, and we must live up to it,” von der Leyen stated, stressing the EU’s commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure.

UK and Ukrainian Officials React

The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, with a spokesperson stating:

"We remain absolutely committed to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of this effort."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has condemned the pause in aid, warning that it could have dire consequences for Ukraine's defense efforts.

"This is catastrophic. Thousands will die," Goncharenko told Sky News.
"I understand we have a crisis in our relationship right now after Friday's meeting in the Oval Office, but I just want to ask President Trump to reconsider."

Trump and Zelensky Rift Widens

The aid freeze comes after Zelensky stated that peace in Ukraine was still "very, very far away," prompting a strong rebuke from Trump.

"This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not put up with it for much longer!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He accused Zelensky of prolonging the war to maintain U.S. and European support, stating:

"This guy doesn’t want peace as long as he has America’s backing."

What’s Next?

The pause in U.S. military aid raises questions about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort, particularly as Europe steps up its role in defense spending.

With no clear timeline on when or if U.S. assistance will resume, Ukraine now faces increased uncertainty over its military future.