US military assistance to Ukraine halted as Trump demands ‘good-faith’ peace commitment, escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
March 4, 2025: Washington: US Suspends Ukraine Aid Following Trump-Zelensky Clash
The United States has suspended military aid to Ukraine, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to negotiate a peace deal with Russia. The pause, affecting hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons, will remain in effect until Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace, according to senior White House officials.
The move follows a heated confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, with Trump criticizing Ukraine’s stance on peace talks and demanding greater “appreciation” for US support.
Also Read: Zelensky Fires Back After Trump’s “Peace” Remark: “That’s Why I Came To The US
Speaking at the White House, Trump warned that Ukraine “won’t be around for long” without a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Key Developments
🔹 Trump’s Statement on Aid Suspension:
- Trump declared that US support for Ukraine must be tied to peace efforts, arguing that Zelensky’s defiance could jeopardize future aid.
- “We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” a White House official confirmed.
🔹 Zelensky’s Response:
- The Ukrainian president insisted that real peace could only come with firm security guarantees.
- “It was the lack of security guarantees that led to Russia’s invasion,” he stated, criticizing both Moscow and Washington’s shifting stance.
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🔹 European Allies React:
- The UK and France are exploring a temporary truce, proposing a one-month ceasefire backed by military support.
- Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, accused Trump of “deliberate escalation” by cutting Ukraine out of key negotiations.
🔹 Moscow’s Reaction:
- The Kremlin blamed Zelensky for the breakdown in talks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov claiming “he doesn’t want peace.”
- Russia denied allegations of avoiding negotiations, instead criticizing US diplomatic strategies.
Geopolitical & Military Impact
🔸 Ukraine’s Military Setback:
- A Russian missile strike on a military base near Dnipro reportedly killed 30-40 Ukrainian soldiers and injured 90 more.
- The attack underscores Ukraine’s growing vulnerability as military supplies become uncertain.
🔸 Fear of US Pivot to Russia:
- Trump’s reluctance to continue supporting Ukraine has alarmed European allies, raising fears of a US shift towards accommodating Russia.
- US and Russian officials have already engaged in backchannel talks, further fueling concerns about a potential settlement without Kyiv’s input.
🔸 Zelensky’s Political Struggle:
- Trump accused Zelensky of running a dictatorship, citing his decision not to hold elections under martial law.
- The Ukrainian leader refused to resign, asserting that he would only step down if Ukraine was granted NATO membership—a scenario opposed by both Russia and Trump’s administration.
What’s Next?
📍 The pause in US aid could significantly weaken Ukraine’s defense, increasing pressure to enter negotiations with Russia.
📍 European nations may be forced to step up military support, or risk Ukraine losing ground.
📍 Zelensky’s leadership is under strain, with growing domestic and international challenges to his stance.
Tags
#Trump, #Ukraine, #Zelensky, #USForeignPolicy, #RussiaUkraineWar, #PeaceTalks, #Geopolitics, #MilitaryAid, #GlobalPolitics, #NATO, #Russia,