On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine, escalating pressure on Kyiv to enter peace negotiations with Russia. This decision follows a public confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A White House official stated that the pause in aid is aimed at reviewing its effectiveness in contributing to a peaceful resolution. “The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well,” the official said, speaking anonymously.

The announcement prompted immediate backlash from Congressional Democrats, who labeled the suspension as dangerous and potentially illegal. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the move, urging Republican colleagues who have condemned Russian aggression to demand the reinstatement of aid.

Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader should show more appreciation for U.S. support. He stated that without a ceasefire agreement, Zelensky “won’t be around very long.”

The aid suspension will impact hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military supplies intended for Ukraine. Zelensky, for his part, emphasized the urgency of ending the war “as soon as possible” but insisted that solid security guarantees are essential for peace.

In the wake of this announcement, discussions among European allies, including Britain and France, are ongoing regarding a potential one-month truce between Ukraine and Russia. However, Zelensky noted that a comprehensive agreement to end the war remains far off.

The situation has fueled concerns about the U.S. shifting its stance toward Russia, as Trump’s actions have raised alarms in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear being sidelined in negotiations that could compromise Ukraine’s future.