President Donald Trump temporarily suspended the delivery of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine on Monday (3), military and senior government officials reported.
The decision comes just days after Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a disagreement at the White House.
The order affects more than $1 billion in weapons and ammunition.
Officials said the suspension will remain in effect until Ukraine apologizes for what was said and demonstrates good faith commitment to peace negotiations with Russia.
Trump’s decision dramatically increases the rift between Washington and Kiev at a critical moment in the conflict. The most immediate beneficiary of the measure is Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. If the suspension is prolonged, he may use the time to push for more territorial gains.
The suspension also puts the United States in direct opposition to its key NATO allies. Most European nations, led by France, Britain, and Germany, have promised to increase aid to Ukraine, supporting Zelensky in his dispute with the Trump administration. But they simply do not have the stocks to make up the difference in the short term.
What happened at the meeting in the White House?
Zelenskyy met with Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office on February 28. The tone of the interaction with the press present quickly became hostile when Trump and Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of not being grateful enough for the military assistance sent by the U.S. to Kiev.
Will Ukraine be able to continue defending its territory?
Without U.S. military aid, Ukrainian forces may be able to hold out for only two to four months before Russia advances through their territory.
Zelenskyy told British journalist Piers Morgan in an interview published on February 4 that Ukraine now produces 40% of the weapons it needs, while the U.S. provides 30%. “Can you imagine what would happen to us without those crucial 30%?” Zelenskyy told Morgan. Ukraine largely produces drones, electronic warfare systems, and artillery, Zelenskyy said at a press conference on February 19.
The remaining 30% of Ukraine’s weapons come from other sources, including Europe.
But the weapons that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine are the deadliest and most advanced in the Eastern European nation’s arsenal.
European military aid has roughly matched U.S. military aid so far. Filling the gap during a prolonged pause would require a substantially greater commitment from Europe.
Sources: The New York Times and Al Jazeera