The U.S. has reportedly paused military aid to Ukraine, in the wake of a heated confrontation between the country’s leaders.
The U.S. has supported Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, committing more than $US65 billion ($AU105 billion) in military aid. Now, according to U.S. media, that aid will stop immediately.
Tensions have increased between the U.S. and Ukraine since President Donald Trump came to power, culminating in a public argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last week.
Background
Zelenskyy visited Washington D.C. last week to meet with Trump and Vice-President JD Vance at the White House.
Addressing the media, Zelenskyy, Vance and Trump began arguing about how to end the war. The U.S. leaders accused Zelenskyy of not being “thankful” for their aid.
Following the meeting, Trump said: “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved.”
Minerals deal
The meeting was meant to end with the leaders signing a minerals deal between the two countries.
Under the agreement, both countries would contribute to an investment fund that would be used to re-develop Ukraine.
Ukraine’s contributions would come from the profits from its deposits of important minerals, such as titanium.
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Despite Zelenskyy leaving before the deal could be signed, both leaders have suggested it could still eventuate.
Update
On Tuesday, U.S. outlets reported the Government would “pause” military aid to Ukraine.
Anonymous officials were quoted as saying aid would be suspended until Ukraine showed a “good faith” commitment to peace.
Congress has approved $US65 billion worth of military aid for Ukraine since Russia first invaded in February 2022.
It’s expected an immediate suspension of aid would halt scheduled deliveries of weapons and ammunition.
What now?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the only senior American official to release a statement.
While he didn’t acknowledge reports of the U.S. suspending aid, Rubio said: “Every day that goes by the cost of rebuilding Ukraine gets higher and higher and higher.”
Trump is due to address the U.S. Congress tomorrow afternoon (AEDT), where he’s expected to provide an update.
