 "Trump administration considering halting all military aid to Ukraine following White House clash: Report")
The Donald Trump administration is considering halting all military aid to Ukraine following the US president’s explosive showdown with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday (February 28).
Washington Post quoted a senior White House official as saying that such a decision would halt billions of dollars of radars, vehicles, ammunition, and missiles awaiting shipment to the war-torn nation.
Zelenskyy on Friday arrived at the White House to sign the much-anticipated rare earth mineral deal with the US. But the meeting soon turned into a shouting match between the two leaders, with both Trump and US Vice President JD Vance accusing Zelenskyy of not being ‘grateful’ for all American aid throughout the past three years.
‘Either make a deal or we are out’
Trump on Friday warned Zelenskyy that the USA would get out of the Ukraine situation if he didn’t agree to the mineral deal, which would give American firms access to vast mineral wealth in the war-torn nation.
“You’re either going make a deal or we’re out,” Trump said. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”
“You don’t have the cards. Once we sign that deal, you’re in a much better position. But you’re not acting at all thankful, and that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing.”
Following the meeting, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that “Ukraine was not ready for peace” and that Zelenskyy could “come back when he is ready”.
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved," Trump wrote on Truth Social, “because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe White House official quoted by the Post adds that the spat between Vance, Trump and Zelenskyy was “not preplanned”.
Meanwhile, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Zelenskyy still had a chance to make a deal.
He said, Zelensky “has a chance to turn this” and “choices to make,” and that it “doesn’t mean [the deal] still can’t be done.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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