President Donald Trump has ordered a “pause” on military aid to Ukraine following a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, two White House officials told ABC News.
A White House spokesperson stated that the administration is reviewing the aid to ensure it aligns with its broader goals. “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,” the official said.
The decision followed Trump’s comments in an ABC News interview where he suggested that Zelenskyy needed to be “more appreciative” of U.S. support.
When asked by reporter Rachel Scott what it would take for negotiations to resume, Trump responded, “Well, I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin.”
It remains unclear how the aid suspension will impact the delivery of previously approved military assistance, as much of the Pentagon’s $3 billion in weapons packages to Ukraine had already been sent.
Despite the aid freeze, existing agreements between Ukraine and private American defense contractors remain intact, ensuring that weapons will continue flowing in the coming years.
According to U.S. officials, about 90% of the arms from past Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) packages have already been delivered, including critical munitions and anti-armor systems.
However, the remaining shipments—primarily armored vehicles—face delays as they undergo refurbishment. While the Trump administration has emergency powers to disrupt these arms transfers, there is no indication that it is taking such measures at this time.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance suggested on Fox News’ “Hannity” that negotiations with Ukraine could resume if Zelenskyy is willing to “engage seriously.”
He hinted that ongoing discussions involve multiple issues, including Ukraine’s natural resources and possible land concessions.
“I think that if he called and had a serious proposal for how he was going to engage in the process—look, there are details that really matter, that we’re already working on with the Russians,” Vance stated.
