Trump Orders Pause on Federal Aid to Ukraine

President Donald Trump ordered a pause on federal aid to Ukraine Monday night, after a tense meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

The Details: Ukraine said it "will continue to work with the U.S. through all available channels in a calm manner." The Trump-Zelensky meeting was supposed to be for both the discussion of a minerals deal and joint press conference, but neither occurred. After the meeting, Zelensky said Ukraine and the US needed to be “honest and direct with each other” and expressed hopes for further US support, remaining open to the minerals deal. Trump denounced the statement. 

For Context: The US has reportedly given Ukraine at least $100 billion in aid over the last two years, though exact estimates vary. In recent weeks, European countries have continued to express support for Ukraine, and discussed bolstering their own militaries. The halt in aid is also consistent with the Trump administration's "government efficiency" efforts, which saw the administration cut 90% of funding to USAID last week.

How The Media Covered It: The Hill (Center bias) called the decision a "consequential move" in its lead. The Daily Beast (Left) called the decision a "gift" to Russia and wrote that it came because "in [Trump's] view—sufficiently thankful for U.S. support." Washington Examiner (Lean Right) included perspectives from officials that were both critical and approving of Trump's decision.