Trump halts military aid to Ukraine, raising international alarm
Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine has raised serious concerns in Kyiv. A high-ranking Ukrainian official, speaking with Bild, described the move as outright cold-blooded blackmail.
A White House representative confirmed in a media statement that President Donald Trump has suspended all military aid to Ukraine, "to ensure that it contributes to the resolution" of the conflict.
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," stated the White House representative.
Trump's decision aims to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to American terms for the agreement. This decision has caused concern in Kyiv and among Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.
A high-ranking Ukrainian official told Bild that the decision amounts to outright cold-blooded blackmail. However, they noted that, for now, there would be no immediate impact on the front line.
Ukrainian soldiers, especially those fighting in Donbas, have anxiously received the news of the possible aid suspension. One of them admitted that although the situation is difficult, they still have hope.
A soldier, speaking with Bild, admitted to being in shock but emphasized that a sense of optimism remains. He recalled past situations where they had only five rounds a day yet still managed to hold their position.
In European capitals, there is an understanding of Ukraine's difficult situation, but at the same time, pressure is being exerted to find a solution with Trump. Zelensky, however, continues to demand security guarantees before agreeing to negotiations.
Intense diplomatic talks are ongoing in Kyiv with Washington and Brussels. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed readiness to sign a joint investment fund agreement with the USA.
Shmyhal stated that they are prepared to engage in discussions and travel to finalize the agreement while awaiting a response from Washington.
Challenges for Zelensky
President Zelensky faces a tough choice. While most Ukrainians support his resistance to Trump's pressure, it is unclear how they will react to the eventual suspension of aid.
The underlying question remains whether Trump truly wants to support Ukraine, or is pursuing his own interests.
Trump may shock Ukraine with further announcements as early as this evening during his speech before Congress. But it's also possible that through his threats and withholding of aid, he will prompt Zelensky to give in," journalists from "Bild" point out.
