Donald Trump has conceded that Ukraine may not withstand the ongoing conflict with Russia, following the US’s decision to halt military aid to Kyiv. The Trump administration suspended US military and intelligence support to Ukraine last week in an attempt to coerce it into accepting a peace deal.
This move came on the heels of a calamitous meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. During a Sunday interview with Fox host Maria Bartiromo, Trump was questioned about his comfort level with the possibility that Ukraine might not survive after he “walked away, and Ukraine may not survive.
“Well it may not survive anyway. But you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia, it takes two,” responded Trump. He added, “It was not gonna happen that war, and it happened so now we’re stuck with this mess,” The cessation of all military aid includes US weapons already shipped via air and sea, as well as those stationed in Europe.
NBC News reported today that Trump will not reinstate aid to Ukraine even if a mineral resources agreement is signed. He also demands a shift in Zelensky’s approach to peace negotiations.
During the ill-fated Oval Office meeting, the two leaders were supposed to sign a rare minerals deal, which has since been indefinitely postponed. Zelensky labelled the meeting as “regrettable,” after Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused him of being “disrespectful” and insufficiently appreciative of US support, reports The Irish Star.
Trump also cast doubt on Zelensky’s dedication to securing a peace deal to halt the hostilities. He highlighted that without US intelligence, Ukraine’s capacity to launch strikes within Russia and shield itself from attacks would be significantly weakened.
On Friday, Trump revealed he was “strongly considering” imposing fresh sanctions and tariffs on Russia, stating, “based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now.”
He further suggested that these potential sanctions might stay effective until a ceasefire is reached between the conflicting parties.