On March 3, 2025, United States President Trump paused military deliveries to Ukraine after meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. As of February 24, 2022, the Russo-Ukrainian war has continued with many casualties and developments since. The meeting between the two presidents was to negotiate peace. Roughly 1 billion dollars of ammunition, vehicles, and supplies to the country will be halted for now.
Senior administration officials state this will temporarily cease until Zelensky complies with negotiating peace with Russia. White House official affirms, “The U.S. is pausing and reviewing its aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” The meeting was focused on discussing the US support; however, disagreements arose about handling military matters. The office declares suspension of aid until Ukraine can make further progress on diplomatic affairs and specific issues. As the US has been the leading donor in supplying Ukraine, most of the money in the World Trust Fund and the US Agency for International Development will be discontinued. Experts believe Ukraine cannot defend the frontlines past the end of summer, putting the country in a crucial position. Most of the money was donated to the government, schools, and financial aid.
Currently, Zelensky states he is ready to negotiate with Trump on a peace treaty with Russia, sending a letter of commitment from Ukraine’s side. Some leaders involved include European leaders, like the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to fix the situation and organize a plan. However, Ukraine is struggling with peace efforts and defending itself, as the US has stopped sharing intelligence with Zelensky. The meeting was planned to sign the minerals deal, where the United States would be granted the vast majority of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals for innovative technologies, electricity, batteries, and green energy. Until any diplomatic affairs are clarified, it is uncertain whether Zelensky will finish signing the minerals deal. Zelensky states, “We need real peace and Ukrainians want it most because the war ruins our cities and towns,”
Without aid from the US, Ukraine’s defense is more vulnerable to Russia’s attacks, including strengthening its military to prepare. With no financial assistance, Ukraine’s economy will be unstable due to high war costs and money spent on health and education. Since the US has greatly influenced European matters, donating billions of dollars each year, Europe will be impacted from its withdrawal for its global trade routes, energy prices, economic affairs, and supply chains. Ukraine is not completely vulnerable, as close allies from the United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, and Germany support giving humanitarian aid, data, and satellite imagery. However, military officials are still unsure about predictions of how the pause in aid could significantly impact Ukraine in the future.
While US Aid has been the most extensive support for Ukraine, key support from other countries withstands further critical attacks from Russia. Most of Trump’s deals disagree with Ukraine’s goals of keeping territory in the peace agreements suggested, but Zelensky has stepped in to review the negotiations to keep Trump’s halt on aid as brief as possible.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-trump.html
https://www.nytimeAfter Days of Coaching, Zelensky Seeks a Path to Trump’s Good Graces – The New York Timess.com/2025/03/03/us/politics/trump-ukraine-military-aid.html
https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e
