Trump administration freezes Ukrainian aid after tense meeting with President Zelensky on peace strategy

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Donald Trump ordered aid to stop Ukraine in the war with Russia after a turbulent confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “It's clear that the president is focused on peace. We need our partners to achieve that, too, too,” a White House official said Monday night. “We are suspending and reviewing our aid to ensure it contributes to the solution.” This pause stopped all military aid Ukraine, including ammunition and anti-tank weapons, and stopped supplies sent since the Russian invasion three years ago. Trump has inherited nearly $4 billion in authorized funds from Congress, but it seems unlikely to use it now. It is unclear how or whether to redirect the money. Trump's move is set to put pressure on Zelensky's relationship with the United States, or risk losing his position in the ongoing war. As of fiscal year 2024, Congress has approved nearly $183 billion in Ukrainian support, with EU donations of about $145 billion. Trump's campaign war, which recently clashed with Zelensky at a Virus Oval Office meeting last week, during which Trump Zelensky accused Zelensky of not preparing for peace. “The U.S. leader canceled the peace talks and did not sign a mineral deal. However, Trump later hinted that discussions could be resumed if Zelensky appreciates U.S. support. Additionally, Zelensky told Fox News that he would not apologize to Trump because he did not believe he did anything wrong during the meeting.

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