On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a temporary halt to American aid for Ukraine following a tense meeting in the Oval Office. This move is seen as an attempt to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into engaging in peace negotiations with Russia.

A White House official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, stated that Trump’s primary objective is securing a peace agreement to end the war, which has lasted more than three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to the official, the administration is reassessing aid to Ukraine to ensure it aligns with efforts toward a diplomatic resolution.

Another official clarified that the suspension applies to military equipment that has not yet reached Ukraine. The decision, according to this source, stems from Trump’s dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s approach and lack of commitment to peace efforts. The official added that the suspension could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates a stronger willingness to negotiate.

As a result, the pause affects vital military supplies, including anti-tank weapons, thousands of artillery shells, and rockets, all of which were set to be delivered to Ukraine.

This development comes after a planned agreement between U.S. and Ukrainian officials was derailed during Zelenskyy’s visit last week. The deal would have allowed the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals as partial compensation for over $180 billion in American aid provided since the war began. However, the agreement was abandoned after the Oval Office discussions broke down, leading to White House officials requesting the Ukrainian delegation to leave.

Relations between the two leaders have hit a low point following the meeting, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough appreciation for U.S. support since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Aid Suspension Is Temporary

A White House representative emphasized that the hold on assistance is not permanent but rather a temporary measure. Reports from Bloomberg and Fox News indicate that Trump will decide when aid resumes based on Ukraine’s demonstrated commitment to peace negotiations.

“This is not a permanent cut-off; it’s a pause,” an administration official told Fox News. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been directed to implement the temporary halt.

Possible Sanctions Relief for Russia

As part of a broader strategy to improve U.S.-Russia relations and facilitate an end to the war, the Trump administration is reportedly considering easing sanctions on Moscow. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the White House has tasked the State and Treasury Departments with drafting a list of potential sanctions reductions.

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the U.S. has imposed severe economic measures aimed at limiting Moscow’s revenue from oil and gas exports and restricting its ability to fund military operations. These include a Western-led price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian oil and multiple designations targeting energy companies and shipping vessels.

Trump had previously warned in January that if Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to engage in peace talks, he would impose even harsher sanctions. However, the administration now appears to be considering a shift in strategy as part of diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the conflict.