Tulsi Gabbard says Zelensky shouldn’t ‘take the American people for granted’
President Donald Trump paused aid to Ukraine to ensure that the country does not take U.S. assistance for granted, according to intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
The director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stated that US President Donald Trump has paused assistance to Ukraine to ensure that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky does not take American support for granted.
The freeze on military assistance and intelligence sharing occurred after a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office. During the discussion, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” for his refusal to engage in peace negotiations with Russia.
Gabbard told Fox News that the halt in intelligence sharing and military aid was meant to convey a message to Zelensky. The decision followed Zelensky’s comment that the conflict “would go on for a very, very long time,” as well as his assurance that “American aid and support would continue to flow his way.”
When asked if the suspension of intelligence sharing had been lifted after Zelensky indicated he was open to a ceasefire, Gabbard confirmed it had not been reinstated but noted that the decision could be changed “if things continue to go in the direction that they are.”
She elaborated, “There is a distinction… intelligence going towards any offensive strikes was paused, but any intelligence going towards defending Ukraine against attacks coming into their country would continue.”
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy on the Ukraine conflict, mentioned on Thursday that the president aims to “aggressively” leverage both Kiev and Moscow to bring them to the negotiating table. Ultimately, Trump seeks “to stop US entanglement in an endless proxy war,” Kellogg added.
In a separate interview with Fox News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that Trump aspires to be a “peacemaker” in the Ukraine “proxy war” and views Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate as “sabotaging and undermining” US peace efforts.
Moscow has consistently characterized the Ukraine conflict as a NATO proxy war against Russia. The Kremlin has shown a willingness for peace negotiations but has dismissed the concept of a temporary ceasefire, arguing that it would merely allow Kiev to regroup and resume hostilities.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
The freeze on military assistance and intelligence sharing occurred after a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office. During the discussion, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” for his refusal to engage in peace negotiations with Russia.
Gabbard told Fox News that the halt in intelligence sharing and military aid was meant to convey a message to Zelensky. The decision followed Zelensky’s comment that the conflict “would go on for a very, very long time,” as well as his assurance that “American aid and support would continue to flow his way.”
When asked if the suspension of intelligence sharing had been lifted after Zelensky indicated he was open to a ceasefire, Gabbard confirmed it had not been reinstated but noted that the decision could be changed “if things continue to go in the direction that they are.”
She elaborated, “There is a distinction… intelligence going towards any offensive strikes was paused, but any intelligence going towards defending Ukraine against attacks coming into their country would continue.”
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy on the Ukraine conflict, mentioned on Thursday that the president aims to “aggressively” leverage both Kiev and Moscow to bring them to the negotiating table. Ultimately, Trump seeks “to stop US entanglement in an endless proxy war,” Kellogg added.
In a separate interview with Fox News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that Trump aspires to be a “peacemaker” in the Ukraine “proxy war” and views Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate as “sabotaging and undermining” US peace efforts.
Moscow has consistently characterized the Ukraine conflict as a NATO proxy war against Russia. The Kremlin has shown a willingness for peace negotiations but has dismissed the concept of a temporary ceasefire, arguing that it would merely allow Kiev to regroup and resume hostilities.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
