The Kremlin has responded to Donald Trump’s decision to halt all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, calling it a move that could push Kyiv toward peace negotiations. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the announcement, stating, “If this is true, then this is a decision that can really encourage the Kyiv regime to [come to] the peace process.” He also emphasized that the U.S. has been the “main supplier of this war” and suggested that pausing aid would be “the best contribution to the cause of peace.”
Trump’s decision followed a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he accused Ukraine of “gambling with World War III” and told Zelenskyy he was in “no position” to dictate how the U.S. should feel about the war. After the heated exchange, the White House confirmed that all military aid to Ukraine would be paused and reviewed to ensure it was aligned with what Trump called a focus on “peace.” Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the U.S. has provided nearly $66 billion in military support to Ukraine, a figure that now hangs in uncertainty.
While Russia has cautiously welcomed Trump’s stance, Peskov noted that they will “continue to see how the situation develops in reality.” Moscow has long opposed Western military aid to Ukraine, arguing that it prolongs the conflict. The Kremlin’s response reflects its hope that a shift in U.S. policy could weaken Ukraine’s defense efforts and force it into negotiations more favorable to Russia’s interests.
The suspension of U.S. aid raises serious questions about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military resistance without American support. Allies in Europe are closely watching to see if the U.S. decision will influence their own policies, while Ukrainian officials remain defiant, insisting they will continue fighting for their sovereignty. Whether Trump’s move truly leads to peace or simply shifts the balance of power in Russia’s favor remains to be seen.
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