US Halts Military Assistance to Ukraine in Response to Trump’s Zelensky Criticism

As Trump criticizes Zelensky, the White House suspends Ukraine funding for assessment, raising worries about the impact on the battlefield.

According to a White House official who spoke to CBS News, the United States has temporarily suspended its military assistance to Ukraine. 

In the face of mounting criticism of US backing for Kyiv, the official said the aid is being examined to make sure it is “contributing to a solution.” 

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the US has been Ukraine’s biggest military supporter, supplying arms, equipment, and cash. 

The declaration was made just hours after Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of Ukraine, was chastised by former President Donald Trump for saying that a conclusion to the conflict is still “very, very far away.” 

European leaders at a summit on Sunday voiced concerns that peace efforts could fail without US engagement, despite UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of a four-point plan to support Ukraine. 

Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer referred to the decision to halt aid as “very wrongheaded,” cautioning that it will eventually have an impact on the battlefield. 

“President Trump has a lot of leverage in Russia if he wants to use it,” he continued. He might increase sanctions or collaborate with the G7 to take assets worth $300 billion from the Russian Central Bank for Ukraine.

“For someone who talks about the art of the deal, he’s done nothing to increase his leverage with Putin,” Pifer said in criticism of Trump’s position. He seems to be harshly criticizing the wrong party instead.