Trump suspends military assistance to Ukraine
The minerals deal remains under consideration, as do agreements with Russia.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump announced on Monday evening a halt to all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a strategic maneuver following his recent dressing down of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, which aimed to pressure Zelenskyy back to negotiations.
“President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace,” a White House official told PMG. “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.”
This directive was given just hours after Trump informed reporters that he had not yet discussed such a pause, and three days after his notable rebuke of Zelenskyy. Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude, with Trump stating directly that Zelenskyy does not “have the cards” to win against Russia without continued U.S. support.
In his public comments on Monday, Trump also indicated that the economic agreement Zelenskyy came to Washington to finalize is still on the table. This combination of rewards and pressures aims to push Zelenskyy into a broader negotiation to resolve the war with Russia.
An anonymous official close to the administration suggested that Trump and his senior team still believe a relatively swift conclusion to the war initiated by Russia three years ago is feasible. They are keen on encouraging Zelenskyy to tone down his rhetoric to facilitate talks between both parties.
“There’s a potential window with Russia,” the official said. “You won’t get Putin to the table if you call him names.”
However, Trump's desire for historic peace is also influenced by his ego. On Monday, aides hinted that no deal would be forthcoming, regardless of the stakes, until Zelenskyy expressed accountability for the confrontation last Friday.
“What we need to hear from President Zelenskyy is that he has regret for what happened, he’s ready to sign this minerals deal and that he’s ready to engage in peace talks,” Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz stated during an appearance on Fox News Channel on Monday.
Significant obstacles remain to mending the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, including conditions that demand Zelenskyy, despite being seen as a victim by European allies and many in the U.S., apologize to Trump. Moreover, even if Zelenskyy swallows his pride and offers an apology to Trump for perceived slights, it appears unlikely that the profit-sharing agreement on rare earth minerals would immediately pave the way for peace talks or prevent Trump from moving closer to Russia.
Despite this, administration officials engaged in backchannel discussions over the weekend to salvage the mineral deal, while allies publicly encouraged Zelenskyy to make a demonstrative appeal for forgiveness. Trump, despite his strong negative rhetoric toward Zelenskyy, left room for optimism in his comments on Monday, suggesting a possible path forward for Europe and Ukraine.
Pro-Ukraine lawmakers, increasingly facing a wave of Republican skepticism towards Zelenskyy and the war, are attempting to mend relations.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate supportive of Ukraine, expressed optimism after speaking with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, believing the minerals agreement could be resolved “in short order” and lead to broader economic and security agreements.
“We are 100% getting this train back on the tracks,” Fitzpatrick posted on X.
In his remarks that afternoon, Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone than he had previously, offering a different perspective compared to his earlier social media outbursts. During a question-and-answer session with reporters, he highlighted the advantages of a profit-sharing deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and moderated his criticisms of Zelenskyy.
“I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin,” Trump said.
He sidestepped questions about whether he had considered cutting additional defense aid for Ukraine, reiterated the security benefits of maintaining an American presence, and praised European leaders for their inclination to bolster defense expenditures. Within hours of criticizing Zelenskyy for remarks suggesting that the war's end was “very, very far away,” Trump softened his stance, questioning the accuracy of the comment without directly naming Zelenskyy as he urged for peace talks.
Nonetheless, Trump’s interests do not align straightforwardly with those of Zelenskyy or Europe, and his desire to foster a relationship with Moscow exerts pressure on European allies.
When asked about potential discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump stated on Monday that “we’re going to do deals with everybody.”
Lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm over Trump's latest move.
"Too bad Iran, North Korea and China are not pausing their military aid and economic support," remarked Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, to PMG. "There is an invader and a victim, there is a democracy and a dictatorship, there is a country that wants to be part of the West and one that hates the West. We should be unambiguously for the good side."
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine conveyed that Trump’s decision comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine's position in the conflict. "I do not think we should be pausing our efforts," she added. "It's the Ukrainians who are shedding blood."
The prospect of Trump reconciling with Putin is amplifying the urgency for European nations to devise their own strategy to take a more significant role in safeguarding Ukraine if a peace deal emerges.
“Europe has a short amount of time to go all in and ensure a full rapprochement between the Americans and the Russians doesn't happen,” noted Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer in a Monday morning email to clients. “Otherwise, they are left without a realistic strategic option.”
Bremmer also mentioned that discussions around a potential return visit from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom visited Washington last week, might unfold in efforts to rebuild ties, revive the minerals deal, and promote a European cease-fire initiative.
Yet, Trump’s inclination towards normalizing relations with Moscow could hinder these plans and compel him to impose additional demands on Zelenskyy, amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
Earlier in the day, Trump criticized Zelenskyy on social media, decrying his remarks about the likelihood of an extended war as “the worst statement that could have been made.”
“This guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing,” Trump stated.
His comments resonated similarly to the Kremlin's narrative, prompting Dmitri Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, to laud in a Sunday interview that America’s foreign policy “largely aligns with our vision.” Like Trump, he blamed Ukraine for prolonging the conflict instigated by Russia three years ago.
"The Kyiv regime and Zelenskyy do not want peace,” Peskov asserted.
Zelenskyy sought to alleviate the tension with a social media post directed at Trump, emphasizing his desire for peace “as soon as possible.”
European backing for Zelenskyy over the weekend, alongside discussions about distinct peace proposals, underscored that he is not isolated and may possess sufficient support to resist Russian offensives for a while longer.
Nonetheless, Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s confrontation with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday has stirred discontent among the president’s political base, complicating any potential reconciliation. His political allies have rejoiced in what they view as Trump asserting his “America First” doctrine, with some even advocating for a complete withdrawal from support for Ukraine and European allies.
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire aligned with Trump's agenda to shrink the federal bureaucracy, voiced a call for the U.S. to withdraw entirely from NATO, the alliance established in the aftermath of World War II, in a post on X.
Additionally, MAGA-aligned members of Congress, including Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Ana Paulina Luna, echoed similar sentiments.
However, a continued focus on his political base could jeopardize the historic opportunity for peace that Trump claims to seek.
“Trump is driving Ukraine toward Europe. And it will take everything Europe’s got to keep them going,” observed Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama. “But when you refuse to give them any security guarantees, when you insult them, you’re actually giving away your leverage. Because, like it or not, Ukraine is going to have a say in any peace deal.”
Meredith Lee Hill, Nahal Toosi, Robbie Gramer, and Dasha Burns contributed to this report.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
“President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace,” a White House official told PMG. “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.”
This directive was given just hours after Trump informed reporters that he had not yet discussed such a pause, and three days after his notable rebuke of Zelenskyy. Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude, with Trump stating directly that Zelenskyy does not “have the cards” to win against Russia without continued U.S. support.
In his public comments on Monday, Trump also indicated that the economic agreement Zelenskyy came to Washington to finalize is still on the table. This combination of rewards and pressures aims to push Zelenskyy into a broader negotiation to resolve the war with Russia.
An anonymous official close to the administration suggested that Trump and his senior team still believe a relatively swift conclusion to the war initiated by Russia three years ago is feasible. They are keen on encouraging Zelenskyy to tone down his rhetoric to facilitate talks between both parties.
“There’s a potential window with Russia,” the official said. “You won’t get Putin to the table if you call him names.”
However, Trump's desire for historic peace is also influenced by his ego. On Monday, aides hinted that no deal would be forthcoming, regardless of the stakes, until Zelenskyy expressed accountability for the confrontation last Friday.
“What we need to hear from President Zelenskyy is that he has regret for what happened, he’s ready to sign this minerals deal and that he’s ready to engage in peace talks,” Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz stated during an appearance on Fox News Channel on Monday.
Significant obstacles remain to mending the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, including conditions that demand Zelenskyy, despite being seen as a victim by European allies and many in the U.S., apologize to Trump. Moreover, even if Zelenskyy swallows his pride and offers an apology to Trump for perceived slights, it appears unlikely that the profit-sharing agreement on rare earth minerals would immediately pave the way for peace talks or prevent Trump from moving closer to Russia.
Despite this, administration officials engaged in backchannel discussions over the weekend to salvage the mineral deal, while allies publicly encouraged Zelenskyy to make a demonstrative appeal for forgiveness. Trump, despite his strong negative rhetoric toward Zelenskyy, left room for optimism in his comments on Monday, suggesting a possible path forward for Europe and Ukraine.
Pro-Ukraine lawmakers, increasingly facing a wave of Republican skepticism towards Zelenskyy and the war, are attempting to mend relations.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate supportive of Ukraine, expressed optimism after speaking with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, believing the minerals agreement could be resolved “in short order” and lead to broader economic and security agreements.
“We are 100% getting this train back on the tracks,” Fitzpatrick posted on X.
In his remarks that afternoon, Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone than he had previously, offering a different perspective compared to his earlier social media outbursts. During a question-and-answer session with reporters, he highlighted the advantages of a profit-sharing deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and moderated his criticisms of Zelenskyy.
“I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin,” Trump said.
He sidestepped questions about whether he had considered cutting additional defense aid for Ukraine, reiterated the security benefits of maintaining an American presence, and praised European leaders for their inclination to bolster defense expenditures. Within hours of criticizing Zelenskyy for remarks suggesting that the war's end was “very, very far away,” Trump softened his stance, questioning the accuracy of the comment without directly naming Zelenskyy as he urged for peace talks.
Nonetheless, Trump’s interests do not align straightforwardly with those of Zelenskyy or Europe, and his desire to foster a relationship with Moscow exerts pressure on European allies.
When asked about potential discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump stated on Monday that “we’re going to do deals with everybody.”
Lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm over Trump's latest move.
"Too bad Iran, North Korea and China are not pausing their military aid and economic support," remarked Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, to PMG. "There is an invader and a victim, there is a democracy and a dictatorship, there is a country that wants to be part of the West and one that hates the West. We should be unambiguously for the good side."
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine conveyed that Trump’s decision comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine's position in the conflict. "I do not think we should be pausing our efforts," she added. "It's the Ukrainians who are shedding blood."
The prospect of Trump reconciling with Putin is amplifying the urgency for European nations to devise their own strategy to take a more significant role in safeguarding Ukraine if a peace deal emerges.
“Europe has a short amount of time to go all in and ensure a full rapprochement between the Americans and the Russians doesn't happen,” noted Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer in a Monday morning email to clients. “Otherwise, they are left without a realistic strategic option.”
Bremmer also mentioned that discussions around a potential return visit from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom visited Washington last week, might unfold in efforts to rebuild ties, revive the minerals deal, and promote a European cease-fire initiative.
Yet, Trump’s inclination towards normalizing relations with Moscow could hinder these plans and compel him to impose additional demands on Zelenskyy, amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
Earlier in the day, Trump criticized Zelenskyy on social media, decrying his remarks about the likelihood of an extended war as “the worst statement that could have been made.”
“This guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing,” Trump stated.
His comments resonated similarly to the Kremlin's narrative, prompting Dmitri Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, to laud in a Sunday interview that America’s foreign policy “largely aligns with our vision.” Like Trump, he blamed Ukraine for prolonging the conflict instigated by Russia three years ago.
"The Kyiv regime and Zelenskyy do not want peace,” Peskov asserted.
Zelenskyy sought to alleviate the tension with a social media post directed at Trump, emphasizing his desire for peace “as soon as possible.”
European backing for Zelenskyy over the weekend, alongside discussions about distinct peace proposals, underscored that he is not isolated and may possess sufficient support to resist Russian offensives for a while longer.
Nonetheless, Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s confrontation with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday has stirred discontent among the president’s political base, complicating any potential reconciliation. His political allies have rejoiced in what they view as Trump asserting his “America First” doctrine, with some even advocating for a complete withdrawal from support for Ukraine and European allies.
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire aligned with Trump's agenda to shrink the federal bureaucracy, voiced a call for the U.S. to withdraw entirely from NATO, the alliance established in the aftermath of World War II, in a post on X.
Additionally, MAGA-aligned members of Congress, including Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Ana Paulina Luna, echoed similar sentiments.
However, a continued focus on his political base could jeopardize the historic opportunity for peace that Trump claims to seek.
“Trump is driving Ukraine toward Europe. And it will take everything Europe’s got to keep them going,” observed Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama. “But when you refuse to give them any security guarantees, when you insult them, you’re actually giving away your leverage. Because, like it or not, Ukraine is going to have a say in any peace deal.”
Meredith Lee Hill, Nahal Toosi, Robbie Gramer, and Dasha Burns contributed to this report.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
