Multiple officials report that President Trump has temporarily halted aid to Ukraine, pending demonstration of genuine efforts towards peace.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that the US is reviewing its aid to Ukraine, leading to a temporary suspension.
During a Wednesday press conference, Leavitt confirmed the pause in response to a journalist’s inquiry about its permanence.
“The National Security Council informed me… they have paused or are reconsidering funding for Ukraine,” Leavitt stated.
She clarified, “It’s a pause for a review,” when questioned further.
The halt in military assistance followed a tense meeting last week between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. Trump subsequently accused Zelensky of prioritizing continued conflict and reliance on US support over genuine peace negotiations.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed to Fox Business on Wednesday that US intelligence sharing with Ukraine has also been suspended. He explained that Trump requested a pause to assess Ukraine’s commitment to seeking peace.
Ratcliffe stated, “President Trump had a real question whether… Zelensky was committed to a peace process.”
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz echoed this on Fox News, saying Trump would consider lifting the aid pause “if we can nail down these negotiations.”
Prior to this, Zelensky had reversed his long-held stance against negotiating with Russia, expressing readiness for an immediate ceasefire in a post on X.
He stated Kiev’s willingness to pursue conflict resolution through prisoner exchange, a temporary ceasefire, and a prohibition on long-range strikes targeting energy and civilian infrastructure.
Moscow maintains that it has consistently been open to negotiations, highlighting Zelensky’s 2022 decree banning talks with President Putin.
However, Russia insists on a lasting peace settlement and rejects a temporary ceasefire, arguing it would only allow Ukraine to rearm for renewed hostilities.
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