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The US is suspending military aid to Ukraine as Donald Trump seeks to increase pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make concessions just days after the two leaders publicly sparred in the White House over peace talks with Russia.
Trump’s decision halts what has been a consistent supply of US military assistance including weapons to Kyiv since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
It comes amid growing tension between Trump and Zelenskyy, as the US president has tried to push Ukraine to rapidly settle the conflict with Russia.
“The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” a White House official said on Monday.
Trump’s move came after the US president renewed his attacks on the Ukrainian president on social media and in remarks to reporters at the White House on Monday afternoon, following the dramatic confrontation in the Oval Office on Friday.
“I just think he should be more appreciative, because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin,” Trump said of Zelenskyy on Monday. The US president also suggested that Ukraine’s leader might be out of office if he fails to reach an accord with Moscow.
“It should not be that hard a deal to make,” Trump added. “It could be made very fast. Now maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.”
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