The Latest: Trump orders a 'pause' of US military aid for Ukraine
President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington, after returning from a trip to Florida. Credit: AP/Mark Schiefelbein
President Donald Trump is seeking to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks with Russia by pausing military aid to Ukraine.
A White House official said Trump wants Zelenskyy committed to the ending of the war that began when Russia invaded the now war-torn country. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the assistance, added that the U.S. was “pausing and reviewing” its aid to “ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
The long, complicated relationship between the leaders has reached a nadir following a disastrous White House meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated Zelenskyy for not being sufficiently thankful for U.S. support for Ukraine.
Here's the latest:
Democratic congressman calls aid pause ‘another extortion’ of Zelenskyy
Rep. Dan Goldman called the pausing of U.S. military aid to Ukraine “another extortion” of Zelenskyy following Trump’s impeachment for doing the same five years ago.
The New York Democrat made the comment on CNN on Monday night, shortly after Trump directed a “pause” to U.S. assistance to Ukraine as he seeks to pressure Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks with Russia.
Goldman served as counsel to House Democrats in the first impeachment inquiry against Trump and was later elected to Congress.
President Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit: AP/Luis M. Alvarez
Congressman calls Trump pause on Ukraine aid ‘reckless’
Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., who is co-chairman of the Congressional EU Caucus, said the decision to pause funding for Ukraine “is reckless, indefensible, and a direct threat to our national security.”
“This aid was approved by Congress on a bipartisan basis—Republicans and Democrats alike recognized that standing with Ukraine is standing for democracy and against Putin’s aggression,” Boyle said in a statement. “Yet, Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin and undermined our allies, is now playing political games with critical military assistance.”
Trump orders pausing of US military aid for Ukraine
Trump has directed a “pause” to U.S. assistance to Ukraine after a disastrous Oval Office meeting as the U.S. president seeks to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in peace talks with Russia.
A White House official said Trump is focused on reaching a peace deal to end the more than three-year war sparked by Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, and wants Zelenskyy “committed” to that goal.
President Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit: AP/Luis M. Alvarez
The official added that the U.S. was “pausing and reviewing” its aid to “ensure that it is contributing to a solution.” The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the assistance.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep 39: Award season and All-Star games Newsday's Gregg Sarra wraps up the boys lacrosse season with Michael Sicoli and recaps the amazing story of Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep 39: Award season and All-Star games Newsday's Gregg Sarra wraps up the boys lacrosse season with Michael Sicoli and recaps the amazing story of Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez.
