The termination of aid to Ukraine is not forever: what the Pentagon chief said
7 March 2025 06:46
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagel said that President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine is a pause that was planned in advance. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Independent.
Is the suspension of aid to Ukraine final?
Answering journalists’ questions about whether this means a complete cessation of support, the Pentagon chief emphasized:
“As President Trump said, this is a pause. This is exactly what he said from the beginning. A pause in anticipation of a true commitment to peace.”
What does Trump expect from Ukraine?
Hughes noted that the US president is “very closely watching” Kyiv’s actions to resolve the situation peacefully. According to him, Washington is assessing the position of the Ukrainian authorities and studying their steps.
“We’re very encouraged by the signs we’re seeing,” the Pentagon chief added, pointing to the possibility of revising the decision depending on further developments.
Speaking in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump reiterated his position that European partners should increase defense spending, answering the question of whether he could cut off US funding to NATO.
Kyiv-Washington talks: what you need to know about them
At the beginning of 2025, diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine experienced significant turbulence, accompanied by controversial negotiations, the suspension of military aid, and renewed efforts toward peace talks. These developments have affected not only bilateral ties but also the broader geopolitical landscape, including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in brief
The February 28 meeting: a turning point
on February 28, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The agenda included a discussion of a proposed agreement on mining rights and a strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia. However, the meeting turned into an emotional dispute, which led to the Ukrainian delegation’s quick departure from Washington and the cancellation of the planned agreements. Experts point out that disagreements over security guarantees and the terms of the mining deal were the main reasons for the disagreement.
Suspension of military assistance and intelligence sharing
After the failed meeting, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite suspension of all US military assistance to Ukraine, citing concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process. The suspension covered more than $1 billion worth of arms and ammunition, including advanced defense systems that are critical to Ukraine’s military operations. In addition, the US stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv, further weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction and renewed peace initiatives
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the failed meeting, calling it “regrettable” and reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks. He emphasized the urgency of achieving a lasting and just peace and expressed his readiness to work to this end under President Trump’s leadership. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign an agreement on mining rights, viewing it as a step toward strengthening security and economic stability.
International reaction and European engagement
The suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine has provoked a mixed international reaction. European leaders expressed concern about the potential consequences for regional security and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was criticized for proposing to relax debt rules to increase defense spending, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency among European countries. European Union officials are also planning to discuss proposals for defense spending to strengthen regional security in light of the change in US policy.
Prospects for resumption of aid and future negotiations
The U.S. administration has indicated that the suspension of aid and intelligence sharing could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace talks. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of private discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials to facilitate meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution. He suggested that such engagement could lead to the resumption of military assistance and the formalization of an agreement on mineral rights.
