U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended military aid to Ukraine following a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, a White House official confirmed.
The decision follows Trump’s shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine and Russia since taking office in January, favoring a more conciliatory approach to Moscow. Tensions escalated after an intense White House meeting on Friday, during which Trump criticized Zelenskyy for what he perceived as a lack of gratitude for American support in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
“President Trump has been clear that his focus is on achieving peace. We expect our partners to be committed to that goal as well. The aid pause is part of a review to ensure it aligns with a long-term solution,” the official told Reuters on Monday, speaking anonymously.
The White House did not immediately clarify the scope of the aid freeze, how long it would last, or the exact amount affected.
On Monday, March 3, Trump took to Truth Social to voice his frustration after an Associated Press report quoted Zelenskyy saying the war’s end was “very, very far away.”
“This is the worst statement Zelenskyy could have made, and America will not tolerate it for much longer!” Trump wrote.
Since Russia’s invasion three years ago, Congress has approved $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. While the Trump administration inherited $3.85 billion in authorized military assistance for Ukraine, growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv had already made its disbursement uncertain.
Despite the aid freeze, Trump suggested on Monday that a deal granting U.S. companies access to Ukraine’s mineral resources was still possible, even as European leaders floated truce proposals for the ongoing war.
Trump views such an agreement as a way for the U.S. to recoup some of the billions in financial and military support provided to Ukraine since the war began.
When asked if the minerals deal was off the table, Trump responded, “No, I don’t think so.” He described it as “a great deal for us” and promised to provide an update during his address to Congress on Tuesday night.
In a Fox News interview, Vice President J.D. Vance urged Zelenskyy to accept the proposed minerals agreement.
“If Ukraine truly wants security guarantees and to prevent another invasion by Vladimir Putin, the best safeguard is ensuring that Americans have an economic stake in Ukraine’s future,” Vance stated.
