US President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on all military aid to Ukraine, escalating pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskiy just days after a heated exchange between the two leaders at the White House, Bloomberg reported.
Citing a senior US Defense Department official, Bloomberg said Trump’s decision will freeze the transfer of military equipment not yet in Ukraine, including weapons in transit or awaiting shipment from Poland. The president directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement the suspension, the report added.
Trump has been pushing for a swift resolution to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, but tensions flared when Zelenskiy sought security guarantees during their Oval Office meeting last week. Trump reportedly dismissed his request, telling him to return only when he was prepared for peace.
Following the meeting, European allies scrambled to find alternative ways to support Ukraine, including providing weapons and peacekeeping forces. However, Europe faces limitations in arms supply and capabilities, with current weapon stocks projected to last only until summer.
It remains unclear how much aid is affected by Trump’s directive. The Trump administration inherited US$3.85 billion in presidential drawdown authority from the previous government, but it was uncertain if those funds would be utilised for Ukraine, given US efforts to replenish its own stockpiles.
Bloomberg noted that the latest move could disrupt existing arms deliveries, including guided multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank weapons, and other critical munitions.
Cancelling contracts with defence contractors might also require the US to pay termination fees.
Additionally, a planned deal that would have granted the US a significant share of Ukraine’s future natural resource revenues has reportedly collapsed following Trump’s meeting with Zelenskiy.
