Decisive hours for Kiev's resistance in the war in Ukraine. According to U.S. media reports, Donald Trump is meeting with his team to decide whether to maintain support for the country invaded by Russia in February 2022. The prologue to that meeting does not bring good omens for Volodymyr Zelensky. On the one hand, because the U.S. President has warned him that he "will not tolerate much longer" his position on the end of the conflict. At the same time, one of Trump's trusted men, Mike Waltz, begins to publicly question whether the Ukrainian president is the right person to seek an end to the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky, who on Sunday night in London stated that he saw "still very, very far" an end to the war in Ukraine, highlighted on Monday that he wishes for peace to come "as soon as possible" and hopes to continue counting on Washington to achieve it. On Monday night, Trump did not want to consider dead the agreement on the exploitation of Ukraine's minerals that is part of his roadmap to end the conflict and that on Friday, after the discussion at the White House, was not signed.
Trump "Pauses" U.S. Aid to Ukraine After Altercation in the Oval Office
President Donald Trump ordered on Monday a "pause" in U.S. aid to Ukraine following a disastrous meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, in an attempt by Trump to pressure him to engage in peace talks with Russia.
A White House official indicated that Trump is focused on reaching a peace agreement to end the more than three-year war caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and wants Zelensky to "commit" to that goal. The official also said that Washington is "pausing and reviewing" its aid to "ensure it is contributing to a solution." The official spoke on condition of anonymity to be able to speak about the assistance.
The measure even affects aid that is already committed or on its way to its destination, as reported by several U.S. media outlets.
This measure stops the delivery of weaponry or equipment already in Polish territory and ready for its final delivery to the Ukrainians, specifies Fox News.
French Prime Minister Calls Trump's Attack on Zelensky a Display of "Brutality"
French Prime Minister, François Bayrou, lashed out on Monday against U.S. President, Donald Trump, for his attack on Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, which he described as a stunning display of "brutality" aimed at humiliating the Ukrainian leader and bending him to the will of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
Bayrou's extraordinarily frank criticism during a parliamentary debate on Ukraine contrasted with the more nuanced tone adopted by French President, Emmanuel Macron, after the confrontation on Friday, and set aside the diplomatic courtesies that normally mark relations between France and the United States.
"On Friday night, in the Oval Office of the White House, before the lenses of the whole world, a shocking scene marked by brutality, a desire to humiliate, with the aim of making the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, bend through threats, to yield to the demands of his aggressors unfolded," said Bayrou.
"All this was summed up in a phrase before the cameras of the planet: 'Either reach an agreement with Putin or we will leave,'" Bayrou said, apparently referring to Trump's comments, who told Zelensky "either make a deal or we're out."
Bayrou added: "For the honor of democratic responsibility, for the honor of Ukraine, and, I dare say, for the honor of Europe, President Zelensky did not yield, and I believe we can show him our appreciation."
Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation in the chamber.
Trump Believes Zelensky "Should Be More Grateful" to the U.S.
U.S. President, Donald Trump, once again criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of rejecting his efforts to end the war with Russia.
"Well, I just think he should be more grateful because this country has been with them through thick and thin," Trump told reporters at the White House.
The Republican also commented on the agreement on mineral extraction in Ukraine that was supposed to be signed during Zelensky's visit to the White House, opening the door to the end of the conflict with Russia.
Asked if this pact was dead, Trump replied: "No, I don't think so."
Trump Says He Has Not Yet Discussed Halting Military Aid to Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he has not yet discussed suspending military aid to Ukraine, days after a disastrous verbal altercation with Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.
"I haven't even talked about it now. I mean, right now, we'll see what happens. A lot of things are happening right now, literally as we speak," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump Insists That Those Who Do Not Want a Peace Agreement with Russia "Will Not Last Long"
U.S. President, Donald Trump, stated on Monday that those who do not want a peace agreement with Russia, referring to Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, "will not last long."
Russia Rejoices in the Rift Between the U.S. and Ukraine
The dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has turned out to be a blessing for the Kremlin, increasing Moscow's hopes for a pause in U.S. assistance to Kiev even as Russian troops seek to extend their advances in Ukraine.
The disastrous meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, which erupted in acrimony when Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of refusing to negotiate peace and demanded gratitude from the United States, has raised doubts about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The Kremlin was quick to present the meeting at the White House as evidence of Zelenskyy's reluctance to negotiate an end to the three-year conflict.
"What happened at the White House on Friday certainly showed how difficult it will be to move towards a Ukrainian agreement," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The Kiev regime and Zelenskyy do not want peace; they want the war to continue."
Trump Claims the Mineral Agreement with Ukraine Is Not Dead
The U.S. President has stated that he does not believe the mineral agreement with Ukraine is dead. "I will let you know tomorrow night," he responded when asked. On Tuesday night, Trump is scheduled to address both houses of the U.S. Congress.
Trump Insists Zelensky Should Show More Gratitude for U.S. Support
U.S. President, Donald Trump, reiterated on Monday that Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, should show more gratitude for Washington's support. "I just think he should be more grateful," he said to reporters.
Oil Pipeline in Southern Russia Ablaze
A fire broke out on Monday in an oil pipeline in the Rostov region in southern Russia after an attack by a Ukrainian drone, the regional governor reported. "As a result of a massive drone attack in the Chertovsky district, a fire broke out in an oil pipeline," Yuri Slyusar wrote on Telegram.
He said that workers had been evacuated from the area, just across the border from Ukraine, and that there were no casualties. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene.