Donald Trump has officially paused all U.S. military aid to Ukraine following a heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The tense Oval Office discussion, which took place on February 28, quickly escalated as Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.” Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude toward the U.S., insisting he should “thank” Trump for past support. The confrontation ended with the announcement that the U.S. would be reviewing all aid to Ukraine to ensure it aligns with what Trump called a “commitment to peace.”
The decision marks a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, as Ukraine has been a key recipient of military assistance since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The State Department had previously reported that the U.S. had provided nearly $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine over the past three years. However, Trump and his administration are now questioning whether continued support is in America’s best interest. A White House official stated, “We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
During the fiery exchange, Zelenskyy pushed back against Trump’s accusations, urging him to see the devastation in Ukraine firsthand. “Have you ever been to Ukraine? Seen what problems we have? Come once,” he challenged. Trump, however, dismissed Zelenskyy’s plea, telling him he was in “no position” to dictate how the U.S. should feel about the war. He warned the Ukrainian president that relying on American aid was a risky move, saying, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
The abrupt pause in aid has sparked concern among U.S. allies and international leaders, with many questioning what this means for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. While Trump insists his focus is on securing peace, critics argue that halting support could embolden Russian aggression. As Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty, the world is watching closely to see if the U.S. will reverse course or stick to Trump’s hardline stance.
