Zelensky appeals to Trump after aid halt

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire to mend ties with Donald Trump and work under his leadership to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. This came after Trump’s unexpected decision to freeze U.S. military aid to Kyiv, straining relations between the two countries.

Zelensky acknowledged that his recent meeting with Trump in Washington had not gone as planned and called for a “truce” in the sea and sky as a first step toward ending the war with Russia. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to sign a key minerals deal with the U.S.

Trump’s move to halt aid raised fears in Kyiv and across Europe that the U.S. was shifting its stance in favor of Russia. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, suggesting it could push Ukraine toward peace talks. Meanwhile, European leaders scrambled to reinforce their support for Ukraine, with the EU proposing an $840 billion defense plan and Germany considering fast-tracking a three-billion-euro aid package.

Ordinary Ukrainians reacted with shock, with some calling Trump’s decision a betrayal. Poland and France noted that U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine had already been disrupted.

Despite the setback, Zelensky signaled Ukraine’s readiness to grant the U.S. priority access to its natural resources. Meanwhile, Britain and France explored the possibility of a one-month ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, potentially backed by troops on the ground. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the idea, leading to a backlash from European officials.