‘Focused on peace’: Trump orders pause on US military aid to Ukraine after clash with Zelenskyy

After an explosive confrontation with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, Trump had criticized him for not being sufficiently grateful about US backing Ukraine in the war with Russia.

The official added that all US military equipment, which are not in Ukraine, would see a pause including weapons in transit on aircraft and ships or waiting in transit areas in Poland, reports added.

The US president attacked his Ukrainian counterpart on Monday again, stating Zelenskyy had made “the worst statement that could have been made” with reference to Zelenskyy stating that the end of war with Russia is “very, very far away”.

Trump, in post on Truth Social said, “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!”

However, the Republican president suggested that a minerals deal with Ukraine was still open despite his frustration with Kyiv, as European leaders floated proposals for a truce in Russia’s war with its neighbor.

When Trump was asked at the White House by reporters if the deal was dead, to which he responded saying, “No, I don’t think so.”