Trump orders pause on navy support to Ukraine within the wake of final week’s Oval Workplace conflict with Zelenskyy
The Trump administration is pausing navy support to Ukraine, in response to two U.S. officers, following final week’s public conflict between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy within the Oval Workplace.
“The president has been clear that he’s centered on peace. We want our companions to be dedicated to that objective as effectively,” a White Home official mentioned Monday. “We’re pausing and reviewing our support to make sure that it’s contributing to an answer.”
The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Monday night time.
The transfer by the Trump administration comes after an explosive assembly within the Oval Workplace on Friday, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance advised Zelenskyy that he hadn’t proven sufficient gratitude for the billions of {dollars} in U.S. support supplied to his nation within the three years since Russia invaded.
After the assembly, Trump mentioned on Reality Social that Zelenskyy had “disrespected america of America in its cherished Oval Workplace.” He additionally advised reporters that Zelenskyy had “overplayed his hand” and was trying to proceed combating over in search of peace.
The State Division mentioned in January that america had supplied $65.9 billion in navy help to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022.
Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine.
Within the weeks main as much as Friday’s White Home assembly, Trump had falsely mentioned Ukraine was answerable for Russia’s invasion, arguing that Kyiv may have made a deal to keep away from the battle. He additionally referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” after Zelenskyy recommended that Trump was being influenced by Russian disinformation.
Zelenskyy mentioned Sunday that he’s nonetheless keen to signal a deal that will permit america entry to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals and that he believes Ukraine’s relationship with america might be salvaged after final week’s White Home assembly. The Trump administration had indicated that Zelenskyy would signal the minerals deal throughout final week’s go to.
Requested Monday about pausing navy support to Ukraine, Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., advised reporters, “That’s his determination,” referring to Trump.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, criticized the transfer.
“It is a important time for Ukraine, and I managed the Ukraine supplemental final 12 months that supplied further assist to Ukraine, and I don’t assume we must be pausing our efforts,” Collins mentioned.
Earlier than plans of the pause turned public, Senate Republicans had expressed hope {that a} deal may nonetheless be reached to proceed U.S. help to Ukraine and facilitate a peace cope with Russia.
“I simply hope that they’ll get issues again on monitor and that everyone will redouble their efforts,” Senate Majority Chief John Thune, R-S.D., advised reporters, calling the heated Oval Workplace assembly a “missed alternative.”
Syedah Asghar, Frank Thorp V and Julie Tsirkin contributed.
