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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that halting US military aid to Ukraine would be the most significant step toward achieving peace. However, it emphasised the need for further clarification regarding US President Donald Trump’s decision. The announcement comes as Trump shifts US policy on Ukraine, engaging in direct talks with Moscow to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Russian officials described the pause in US military assistance as a potential turning point in the war. However, Russia cautioned the need to understand the specifics of Trump’s policy shift before drawing firm conclusions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautiously responded to reports of a pause in US aid to Ukraine, stating that details needed to be clarified. He said if true, the move could push Kyiv toward peace, as the US has been the main supplier of arms in the conflict. Peskov welcomed Donald Trump’s statements about wanting peace in Ukraine but emphasised that Russia would closely monitor how the situation unfolds.
"If this is true, then this is a decision that can really encourage the Kyiv regime to (come to) the peace process. We see certain things and receive certain information about the proposed actions in this direction. This is also welcome. But we will continue to see how the situation develops in reality," Peskov said.
The freeze on military aid is part of Trump’s broader approach to reshaping US foreign policy in the region. The US president has argued that continuing to send billions in military aid only prolongs the war and escalates tensions with Moscow. Trump has pushed for a swift resolution to the conflict, which has devastated Ukraine’s economy and led to significant geopolitical instability.
Trump-Zelenskyy Clash
Despite Trump’s apparent diplomatic push, his administration’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy became contentious. Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly expressed frustration with Zelenskyy, criticising him for what they perceived as a lack of gratitude for past US support. The public face-off highlighted the growing divide between Washington and Kyiv over the direction of US- Ukraine relations.
Trump’s decision marks a sharp departure from the policies of former US president Joe Biden, who had been a staunch supporter of Ukraine. The Biden administration approved a USD 61.4 billion military aid package for Ukraine, providing advanced weapons, training, and logistical support. The Trump administration, however, has signaled that any future aid will be conditional on Kyiv demonstrating a genuine commitment to peace negotiations.
