Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently expressed regret over the strained meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Despite this, he emphasized his willingness to cooperate under Trump’s robust leadership to inaugurate lasting peace.
Zelenskyy expressed his views on a social media post, following an unexpected pause in US military aid to Ukraine declared by the White House. This pause comes as a significant blow, considering Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over the meeting’s outcome, stressing the need for constructive future cooperation and communication. He also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to resume peace talks and work towards long-term peace under Trump’s leadership.
Despite the pause in aid, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the US for its support during the war. He also affirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the US-proposed minerals deal, without directly addressing the US decision to halt aid.
The decision to pause military aid to Ukraine has reportedly intensified pressure on Kyiv to comply with US efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Russia. This move has raised numerous questions about the US’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion.
The White House official stated that the pause was to ensure the aid was contributing to a solution. It was clarified that the suspension was temporary and would last until Ukraine’s leaders demonstrate a commitment to peace.
Reports suggest this suspension has deepened the rift between Zelenskyy and the Trump administration. This rift was already apparent during the White House meeting and has raised concerns about Ukraine being pressured into a ceasefire or peace deal that could favor Moscow.
The Kremlin has welcomed the news of the suspension, stating that it could encourage the Kyiv regime towards a peace process. There are concerns that any disruption in US arms supply could severely hamper Ukraine’s chances against Russia’s invasion.
Despite the unfortunate development of aid suspension, experts believe that Ukraine is less dependent on the US for daily battlefield needs in 2025 than in earlier periods of the war. The impact of this suspension is likely to be more visible in the coming months.
The exact amount of military aid affected by this suspension remains unclear. However, no new military aid has been approved since Trump took office in January. The decision has stirred dismay among Ukrainian politicians and concerns over the strained ties between Kyiv and Washington.
In response to the pause in military aid, Democrats in Congress have called on President Trump to immediately lift this disastrous and unlawful freeze. The aid pause followed Zelenskyy’s problematic visit to the White House, which was expected to yield a deal on joint development of Ukrainian rare minerals and hydrocarbon resources.
With US support in doubt after the Oval Office clash, European leaders are taking more control of potential peace negotiations and increasing military aid to Ukraine. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, is proposing a “rearm Europe plan” as European governments try to reconcile their differences with the United States over the war in Ukraine.
Despite these developments, European leaders maintain that engaging with the new US administration remains a priority.
