Donald Trump stunned NATO allies as he ended all US military aid to Ukraine late on Monday in an effort to pile pressure on Volodymyr Zelensky to end the war on his terms.
'The President 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,' a White House official said.
The decision casts doubt over Ukraine's ability to continue to defending itself against Russian invaders. It is understood the 'pause' will extend to undelivered aid already earmarked for Ukraine by the Biden administration.
A second official told Fox News that 'this is not permanent termination of aid, it's a pause'. All military equipment not currently in Ukraine will be halted and all future aid is now in jeopardy.
Trump's manipulation of the war followed an abrupt post warning that 'America will not put up with it for much longer' on Monday after Zelensky had suggested the end of the war is still 'very, very far away'.
Zelensky had spoken after a summit in London on Sunday, with 18 allies joining to offer Ukraine security guarantees and reify their support. British PM Keir Starmer said a 'coalition of the willing' would come together to present a viable peace plan to Trump.
But Zelensky's warning was met with ire in Washington, where Trump's inner circle branded the comment 'evil'.
'This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not put up with it for much longer,' an infuriated Trump posted on his Truth Social website after upping the pressure on Kyiv to end the war.
Trump also questioned Zelensky's commitment to peace, saying that he 'doesn't want there to be peace as long as he has America's backing'. He also hinted that Zelensky might not be Ukrainian president much longer.
