Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine as he demands Zelenskyy show 'commitment to peace' following clash
by Emma Soteriou · LBCBy Emma Soteriou
Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following his clash with Zelenskyy at the White House.
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A White House official said Trump is focused on reaching a peace deal and wants Zelenskyy "committed" to that goal.
The US is "pausing and reviewing" its aid to "ensure that it is contributing to a solution", the official said.
"This is not permanent termination of aid, it's a pause," a Trump administration official told Fox News.
It comes despite Trump saying during a press conference on Monday that there had been no discussions on the suspension of aid to Ukraine.
Trump launched a fresh attack against Zelenskyy earlier in the day, accusing him of not wanting peace and warning that the US "will not put up with it for much longer".
Addressing his comments during the press conference, Trump said the Ukrainian president should be "more appreciative" of US support.
He said the war in Ukraine must "end fast", adding that Zelenskyy "better not be right" over his claims that a peace deal is "still very, very far away".
Read more: 'America won't put up with this for much longer' - Trump hits out at Zelenskyy again
"This guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the US," Trump posted on Truth Social.
It comes as the White House is said to be drawing up plans to ease sanctions against Russia.
Meanwhile, world leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron joined Keir Starmer at an emergency summit in London over the weekend to discuss Ukraine following the Oval Office fallout.
On Monday, Zelenskyy rejected US calls to resign and said he expected to receive more US support, even after his public argument with Trump.
He said that "replacing me is not simple", adding “it’s not enough to just hold an election. You need to also not let me run.
"This will be a bit more difficult. Looks like you will have to negotiate with me,” Zelenskyy said.
"I think our relationship (with the US) will continue, because it's more than an occasional relationship," the Ukrainian president said, referring to Washington's support for the past three years of war.
Trump's warning will undoubtedly be felt across Europe, as the 'coalition of the willing' gathered in London on Sunday revealed plans to 'bridge the gap' between the US and Ukraine.
Speaking after the summit of European leaders in London, Keir Starmer said the US was 'vital' to ending the war.
Read more: Norwegian fuel giant refuses to fill US warships after Trump and JD Vance clashed with Zelenskyy
He said that the angry confrontation in the Oval Office was “something nobody in this house wants to see”, but he added: “I do want to be crystal clear – we must strengthen our relationship with America, for our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment.
“They are, and always will be indispensable, and we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic.
Trump offered Zelenskyy 'nothing short of extortion' for protection
The Prime Minister also announced a deal allowing Ukraine to use £1.6 billion of UK export finance to buy air defence missiles, taking a larger part in the European response to the war.
Britain will be forced to make tough decisions as it takes a leading role in defending Ukraine, Starmer added.
"With, if necessary, and together with others, boots on the ground and planes in the air."
He said it is "right that Europe do the heavy lifting to support peace on our continent
"But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing."