US Pauses All Military Aid to Ukraine After Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office Clash

Washington, March 04, 2025 – The United States has paused all military aid to Ukraine, a dramatic move announced days after a fiery Oval Office showdown between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The decision, confirmed by White House officials, ramps up pressure on Kyiv to commit to peace talks with Russia amid a three-year war.

The clash erupted last Friday when Zelenskyy visited the White House, hoping to sign a minerals deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s resources. Instead, the meeting descended into chaos. Vice President JD Vance pushed for diplomacy with Russia, but Zelenskyy countered, citing Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s history of breaking agreements. “What kind of diplomacy are you speaking about?” Zelenskyy snapped, sparking a tense exchange.

Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the US, while Trump jumped in, warning, “You’re gambling with World War Three.” The US president grew furious when Zelenskyy suggested America might “feel” the war’s impact later despite its distance. “You don’t dictate that,” Trump shot back, claiming Ukraine’s leader lacked leverage. The visit ended abruptly—no deal, no statement, and Zelenskyy was asked to leave.

ALSO READ | ‘Outright Pathetic’: Sports Minister Slams Congress, TMC Over Rohit Sharma Remarks

A White House official told AFP, “The President is focused on peace. We’re pausing aid until Ukraine shows a good-faith commitment to that goal.” Sources told CNN this isn’t a permanent cutoff, but Trump wants Zelenskyy to shift his stance. The move freezes weapons in transit, including those staged in Poland, critical for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling Zelenskyy’s claim that peace is “very far away” the “worst statement” possible. “He doesn’t want peace while he has America’s backing,” Trump wrote, hinting at withdrawing the $65.9 billion in military aid provided since 2022. Zelenskyy, however, insists US support remains vital, emphasizing Ukraine’s need for a “just and lasting peace.”

The fallout has stunned allies. European leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy in London on Monday, but they admit they can’t replace US aid alone. As Ukraine battles Russia’s occupation of 20% of its land, this pause could shift the war’s trajectory—and global tensions—dramatically.