Trump halts US military aid to Ukraine after Zelensky dispute

US President Donald Trump has suspended all military aid to Ukraine following a sharp clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, deepening the growing divide between the two.

The White House confirmed the pause on Monday after a heated confrontation last week, where Trump criticized Zelensky for showing insufficient gratitude towards US support in Ukraine’s war with Russia.

A White House official told Reuters that the decision to suspend aid is part of a review to ensure US assistance is aligned with peace efforts.

"President Trump is focused on achieving peace, and we need our partners to demonstrate the same commitment," the official stated.

The White House did not comment on the exact scope or length of the aid suspension, and the Pentagon has provided no further information.

Zelensky's office and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington have not responded to requests for comment.

Tensions between the US and Ukraine have been escalating since Trump took office, with Trump adopting a more lenient stance toward Russia.

During his administration, Congress approved USD 175 billion in aid to Ukraine, but the recent halt could affect military supplies such as munitions and missiles.

Despite the freeze on military assistance, Trump hinted that a potential deal to open up Ukraine's minerals to US investment remains on the table, even as European leaders push for a ceasefire.