Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Restore US Military Aid Amid Ukraine Crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire to mend relations with US President Donald Trump following the recent suspension of military aid to Ukraine. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy called last week’s tense White House meeting with Trump “regrettable” and emphasized the need to “make things right” to secure lasting peace.
Ukraine Proposes Partial Truce to De-Escalate War
Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia and take a significant step toward peace by agreeing to a “truce in the sky and sea.” This proposed agreement would halt missile strikes, long-range drone attacks, and bombings on energy and civilian infrastructure—if Russia reciprocates.
“We are prepared to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible,” he stated, adding that Ukraine remains committed to working under Trump’s leadership to secure a sustainable peace.
US Military Aid on Hold After White House Clash
The suspension of US military aid came as a shock, just days after Zelenskyy’s high-profile meeting with Trump reportedly ended in disagreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken later urged Zelenskyy to apologize to ensure continued support from Washington.
The sudden pause in aid raises concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russian aggression. While Ukraine has significantly reduced its reliance on direct US military assistance over time, military analysts warn that a prolonged delay could impact air defense capabilities and ammunition supplies.
Trump Suggests Economic Deal for Security Guarantees
Despite tensions, Trump hinted that a deal allowing US investment in Ukraine’s mineral sector could still be on the table. US Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment in a Fox News interview, stating that granting American companies economic stakes in Ukraine’s future would be the “best security guarantee” against further Russian invasion.
Zelenskyy responded positively, expressing willingness to sign the agreement “any time and in any format.”
Europe Ramps Up Defense Efforts
With uncertainty over continued US support, European allies are intensifying their defense commitments. The United Kingdom and France have publicly reaffirmed their backing for Ukraine, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently unveiled a proposal to bolster EU military spending by up to 800 billion euros ($840 billion). An emergency summit is set for Thursday to finalize defense strategies.
However, experts question whether Europe can fully replace the sophisticated military aid previously provided by the US, including advanced air defense systems like the Predator missile interceptors.
Russia Sees US Aid Cut as an Advantage
The Kremlin welcomed the suspension of US aid, calling it a step toward peace. Russian officials have indicated that Ukraine’s ammunition reserves could be depleted within months. Moscow is expected to leverage the pause in supplies to strengthen its military position and expand territorial gains before any formal peace talks take place.
Military analysts caution that Russia may escalate attacks on Ukrainian bases and supply depots, seeking to weaken Kyiv’s forces before a potential negotiation process begins.
Conclusion
As Ukraine faces mounting pressure to sustain its defense capabilities, Zelenskyy’s efforts to restore relations with Trump and secure alternative support are crucial. With Europe stepping up, but uncertainties lingering, the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of the conflict and Ukraine’s long-term security.
Source Attribution:
This article is based on reporting from Al Jazeera, with additional analysis.
