US Military Aid Freeze Remains in Place for Ukraine
The US military assistance to Ukraine is still on hold. This decision was made by President Donald Trump, and it will stay that way until he is convinced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky supports peace talks with Russia.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a recent statement from Zelensky, in which he said he is committed to peace and called his public disagreement with Trump “regrettable”, may not be enough to get the aid flowing again. It’s unclear what Zelensky needs to do to convince Trump that he wants peace.
Tensions between Ukraine and the US have been high lately. A heated argument in the Oval Office on February 28, involving Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, led to a freeze on all military aid for Ukraine. The signing of a natural resources agreement was also put off after this incident.
US officials, including special envoy Keith Kellogg, have privately told Zelensky that he needs to mend the rift with Trump before Trump’s address to Congress on March 4. The UK government has also been involved in trying to convince Zelensky to support Trump’s ideas.
After Zelensky made his statement, Trump expressed appreciation for his words but did not say anything about lifting the aid freeze. The New York Times reported that the aid freeze remains in place at this time.
It’s still unclear when or if a natural resources agreement will be signed between Ukraine and the US. CBS News reported that Trump is currently trying to get a better deal with Ukraine, rather than just signing what was already agreed upon.
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