U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly suspended military aid to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the war with Russia was "very, very far from over," a comment that
Trump's inner circle reportedly deemed "evil."
The breaking point
Zelensky’s remarks came after a London summit where 18 allied nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged that a "coalition of the willing" would push for a viable peace plan. However, Trump saw Zelensky’s statement as an indication that Ukraine was not committed to ending the war.
Following the remarks, Trump called an urgent meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Shortly after, the White House announced a pause in military assistance to Ukraine.
A strategic "pause"
"The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well," a White House official stated. "We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution."
The suspension reportedly includes undelivered aid approved under the Biden administration, which could leave Ukraine without crucial air-defense systems, ballistic missiles, and long-range artillery.
A heated oval office confrontation
The move comes just days after a tense meeting in the Oval Office where Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance chastised Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for the $180 billion in U.S. aid Ukraine has received since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Following the aid suspension, Zelensky embarked on an urgent European tour, seeking additional support from NATO allies amid concerns that Ukraine’s defenses could collapse without U.S. backing.
Trump’s view on the war
Trump has long promised a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, even boasting that he could end it in a single day. He has also questioned whether Zelensky genuinely seeks peace, a sentiment echoed by his allies.
Following the aid pause, Trump criticized European nations for their reliance on the U.S. in supporting Ukraine. "Europe made it clear that they cannot do the job without the U.S.," he said, arguing that Zelensky had no incentive to negotiate as long as he had American backing.
Allies and critics react
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, called Zelensky’s approach "evil," accusing him of pushing a "forever war" rather than seeking a diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to bolster EU defense spending, unveiling a €150 billion loan initiative and an €800 billion security fund to help Europe stand more independently.
In the U.S., reactions followed party lines. While most Republicans backed Trump’s decision, some, like Congressman Mike Lawler, expressed concerns. "Stopping support for Ukraine would jeopardize the stability of Europe and the free world," Lawler warned.
Ukraine’s uncertain future
The impact of the aid suspension could be severe. Ukraine has already been struggling with gaps in military supplies due to previous delays in U.S. aid. Experts warn that without continued American support, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russian advances will be significantly weakened.
As Russia intensifies its attacks, Ukraine faces a critical test of survival—one that will now depend more than ever on European and international support. Photo by White House Rapid Response, Wikimedia commons.