U.S. President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following a heated clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a White House official confirmed on Monday.
The decision comes as Trump continues to reshape U.S. foreign policy, taking a more cautious stance on Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia.
His recent confrontation with Zelenskiy at the White House further underscored the strain in their relationship, with Trump reportedly expressing frustration over Kyiv’s lack of gratitude for U.S. support.
“President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” the anonymous official told Reuters.
The White House has yet to specify the scope and duration of the aid suspension. However, Trump publicly criticized Zelenskiy on Monday, reacting sharply to an Associated Press report in which the Ukrainian leader described the war’s end as “very, very far away.”
“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Since Russia’s invasion three years ago, the U.S. has provided $175 billion in aid to Ukraine. While the Trump administration inherited $3.85 billion in approved military support for Kyiv, growing tensions have cast doubt on whether this assistance will be utilized.
Despite frustrations with Ukraine, Trump hinted that a deal to grant U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources could still be on the table.
Speaking to reporters, he described the potential agreement as “a great deal for us” and promised further updates during his Tuesday address to Congress.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Ukraine to accept the minerals deal, emphasizing its potential to strengthen American security commitments.
“The very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine,” Vance told Fox News.