WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has stopped US military aid to Ukraine following an Oval Office dispute with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Officials say the pause happened after Trump met with national security advisors at the White House.
The decision could harm Ukraine’s ability to continue fighting against Russia, analysts and officials warn.
One official said the pause will continue until Zelensky commits to engaging in peace talks with Russia.
Trump aims to pressure Ukraine into negotiations by withholding military support, affecting its battlefield capabilities.
White House Statement
“The president wants peace and expects our partners to support that goal,” a White House official stated.
“We are reviewing aid to make sure it helps resolve the conflict,” the official added.
This pause is the clearest sign of worsening US-Ukraine relations since Trump took office.
For over a week, tensions between Washington and Kyiv have grown significantly.
Trump has repeated Russian claims, falsely saying Ukraine started the war and calling Zelensky a dictator.
Strategic Consequences
Halting military aid could shift the war’s balance and benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The freeze applies to all undelivered US military equipment bound for Ukraine, according to officials.
Trump considers this decision a response to Zelensky’s alleged misbehavior during their recent meeting.
Western officials believe Ukraine can sustain its fight for several weeks without US support.
Before leaving office, the Biden administration sent large amounts of weapons to Ukraine.
Advanced Weapons Halted
Ukraine relies on US-made long-range ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.
A prolonged aid suspension could weaken Ukraine’s ability to conduct these critical attacks.
European allies might provide artillery, but Ukraine’s most advanced weapons come from the US.
Without continued supplies, Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian advances could diminish.
The decision leaves Ukraine in a vulnerable position, especially regarding high-tech military equipment.
Expert Analysis
Military analyst Mark Cancian says the halt could have devastating effects on Ukraine’s war effort.
Cancian predicts Ukraine will feel the shortage within two to four months.
For now, European aid helps Kyiv maintain its defenses, but US weapons are irreplaceable.
“When supplies are cut in half, it shows on the front lines,” Cancian explained.
He warned that Ukraine’s forces could eventually collapse without continued US support.
Risk of Defeat
Cancian suggests Ukraine may be forced into an unfavorable or disastrous peace agreement.
He also noted that Trump could restrict additional aid, including intelligence sharing.
The training of Ukrainian soldiers by the US could also be suspended.
“If there’s a resolution, it will be humiliating for Zelensky,” Cancian warned.
The pause signals a critical moment in US-Ukraine relations, with significant consequences for the war’s outcome.
