Trump Refuses to Resume Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Peace Negotiations
President Trump has privately stated he will not resume military aid to Ukraine, despite a potential minerals deal. He insists on changes in President Zelensky’s stance towards peace negotiations with Russia, amidst rising tensions following a controversial meeting where Zelensky faced insults from Trump and Vice President Vance. Zelensky’s approval rating, however, has increased to 68%.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated through private discussions with aides that he will not renew military aid or intelligence support to Ukraine, even in light of a potential minerals deal between Kyiv and Washington. This information was reported by NBC News on March 9, citing unnamed sources within the Trump administration and another American official.
Negotiations are set for March 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Ukrainian delegations will outline a potential peace agreement concerning the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Trump is insisting on a shift in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach to peace talks, including possible territorial concessions to Russia.
Furthermore, Trump desires actions from Zelensky that might lead to elections in Ukraine, potentially including his resignation. As tensions mount between Ukraine and the U.S., Trump is increasing pressure on Zelensky to accelerate peace negotiations, marked by a tense encounter in the Oval Office on February 28 related to a minerals agreement.
During this meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly insulted Zelensky, leading to the Ukrainian leader’s return without solidifying the deal and subsequent suspension of military aid from Washington. Trump has previously labeled Zelensky a “dictator,” aligning with Russian perspectives criticizing the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leadership.
In Ukraine, elections are currently suspended due to martial law implemented at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Politico has reported that Trump’s team has engaged in clandestine discussions with opposition leaders, including former President Petro Poroshenko and Yuliia Tymoshenko, both aiming to present themselves as more amenable allies than Zelensky.
Zelensky’s political standing appears resilient, with recent polling indicating an approval rating increase to 68%, following the tensions with Trump as reported by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology on March 7.
In summary, President Trump has decided against resuming military aid to Ukraine, even if a minerals deal is pursued. He demands a shift in President Zelensky’s peace strategy and highlights internal political dynamics in Ukraine as significant factors. Despite the tensions, Zelensky’s approval remains strong, reflecting public support amid the crisis with Russia.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
