Zelenskyy under pressure to cease fire? Trump 'pauses' US military aid to Ukraine after inconclusive Oval office talks

US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a temporary suspension of military aid to Ukraine, conditioning future assistance on Kyiv’s willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia. The move follows a tense Oval Office exchange between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, which ended with the Ukrainian leader being asked to leave the White House.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the administration is "pausing and reviewing" US assistance to Ukraine to ensure it contributes to a diplomatic resolution of the ongoing war. President Trump is committed to reaching a peace deal and expects President Zelenskyy to demonstrate the same commitment, the official said, according to Associated Press.

The decision to freeze aid came just days after an explosive Oval Office meeting in which Trump and Vance expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of gratitude from Zelenskyy for the more than 180 billion dollar in US military aid provided since Russia's 2022 invasion. Trump has previously claimed he could broker an end to the war "within 24 hours," and his administration has increasingly pushed for a ceasefire agreement that aligns with his vision of a resolution.

Also Read: "Ukraine wants peace, but...": Zelenskyy stresses need for 'security guarantee' against Russia following public spat with Donald Trump

Growing tension over US-Ukraine ties

Following the confrontation, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticise Zelenskyy’s comments about the war being “still very, very far away” from resolution.

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump wrote.

Zelenskyy later responded on social media, emphasising the importance of diplomacy while reaffirming Ukraine’s stance. “We need real peace and Ukrainians want it most because the war ruins our cities and towns. We lose our people. We need to stop the war and to guarantee security,” he posted.

US-Ukraine Oval office meltdown

During the high-stakes meeting, Trump repeatedly pressed Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire with Russia, but the Ukrainian president pushed back, arguing that any settlement without security guarantees would leave Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression.

The exchange turned increasingly confrontational as Zelenskyy attempted to explain the realities of the war and the consequences of a premature peace deal. He presented Trump with folders containing images of Ukrainian civilians affected by the conflict, but his plea was met with open disdain.

Also Read: US President Trump, Zelensky clash over Russia, deal talks collapse

"You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel," Trump snapped when Zelenskyy suggested that the US might eventually experience the ripple effects of Russia’s aggression.

"We will never accept just a ceasefire," Zelenskyy told Trump, emphasising that without firm assurances, Moscow could use a temporary truce to regroup and launch renewed attacks.

Trump, visibly frustrated, accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War III" and insisted that a ceasefire would prevent further bloodshed. Vance, who has echoed Trump’s skepticism over US military support for Ukraine, challenged Zelenskyy directly, asking, "Have you said thank you once?" in reference to Washington’s substantial aid to Kyiv.

The meeting, initially expected to pave the way for a bilateral agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals in return for continued support, ended abruptly. White House advisers escorted Zelenskyy out following Trump's heated remarks.

 (With inputs from AP)