The United States has suspended military aid to Ukraine and demanded that it be ready for peace talks with Russia. This has prompted support from the Kremlin, concern from the EU and Ukraine's search for alternative sources of aid. Zelenskyy and Trump have expressed different views on how to resolve the conflict. Trump is currently preparing to address Congress to outline his plans for Ukraine.
US suspends military aid to Ukraine
US suspends military aid to Ukraine US President Donald Trump has decided to suspend all military aid to Ukraine, including more than $67 billion worth of arms and ammunition. The decision came after a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump said the aid would only be resumed if Ukraine showed it was ready for peace talks with Russia.
Reactions from Ukraine, Russia and the international community
Reactions from Ukraine, Russia and the international community Russia welcomed Trump's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, believing that it would force Zelenskyy to sit down at the negotiating table to seek peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, that the conflict could be resolved more quickly without American military support.
European leaders, including the prime ministers of France and the Czech Republic, have agreed concern about the suspension of aid and called for increased defence spending to compensate for the loss of American support. In particular, the European Commission has introduced a plan to mobilise almost €800 billion to strengthen Europe's defence and compensate for the suspended US aid.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal warned the vital importance of US military aid, particularly the supply of Patriot missiles needed to defend against Russian aggression. He also noted that Ukraine would continue its dialogue with the United States while seeking support from European partners and investors to develop its own defence industry.
Zelenskyy and Trump's statements on peace talks
President Zelensky has expressed his willingness to work under Trump's “strong leadership” to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. He also stated his readiness to discuss a minerals and security agreement with the United States.
President Trump, in turn, said, that a peace agreement in Ukraine could be concluded very quickly if all parties, including European countries and the United States, agree. He also criticized Zelenskyy's statement that reaching a peace deal with Russia is “still very, very far away,” calling it “the worst statement” the Ukrainian leader could have made.
Trump's upcoming speech in Congress
President Trump plans to address Congress, where his speech will consist of four parts, including the administration's accomplishments and plans for peace.
Author: Danylo Pievchev