The United States has paused military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace talks with Russia. The Trump administration’s decision halts all data-sharing, including crucial intelligence on Russian targets, strategic bomber movements, and missile launches, sources told Reuters.

This move follows a heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky, where the two leaders reportedly clashed in a tense exchange before the media. The suspension of aid and intelligence-sharing significantly impacts Ukraine’s defense, particularly its long-range drone strike capabilities against Russia.

The White House has suggested that both bans could be lifted if peace talks progress. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated, “I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause will go away,” implying that Ukraine’s cooperation in negotiations could restore support.

Tensions escalated further after the US halted a major minerals deal with Ukraine, which Trump had demanded in exchange for continued aid. The agreement would grant Washington rights to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, a key bargaining chip in the ongoing negotiations. Despite initial setbacks, Zelensky indicated “positive movement” in discussions, raising hopes for a potential resolution.

Addressing Congress, Trump emphasized his commitment to ending the war, stating, “If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.” He claimed to have engaged in serious discussions with Moscow, receiving strong signals that Russia was open to peace.

The situation remains fluid, with US funding and intelligence-sharing contingent on Ukraine’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks. As negotiations continue, the fate of Ukraine’s military capabilities and its strategic alliance with Washington hang in the balance.

The United States has paused military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace talks with Russia. The Trump administration’s decision halts all data-sharing, including crucial intelligence on Russian targets, strategic bomber movements, and missile launches, sources told Reuters.

This move follows a heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky, where the two leaders reportedly clashed in a tense exchange before the media. The suspension of aid and intelligence-sharing significantly impacts Ukraine’s defense, particularly its long-range drone strike capabilities against Russia.

The White House has suggested that both bans could be lifted if peace talks progress. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated, “I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause will go away,” implying that Ukraine’s cooperation in negotiations could restore support.

Tensions escalated further after the US halted a major minerals deal with Ukraine, which Trump had demanded in exchange for continued aid. The agreement would grant Washington rights to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, a key bargaining chip in the ongoing negotiations. Despite initial setbacks, Zelensky indicated “positive movement” in discussions, raising hopes for a potential resolution.

Addressing Congress, Trump emphasized his commitment to ending the war, stating, “If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.” He claimed to have engaged in serious discussions with Moscow, receiving strong signals that Russia was open to peace.

The situation remains fluid, with US funding and intelligence-sharing contingent on Ukraine’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks. As negotiations continue, the fate of Ukraine’s military capabilities and its strategic alliance with Washington hang in the balance.