After President Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Ukraine's Zelensky of being 'ungrateful' amid last Friday's explosive row in front of media cameras in the Oval Office, the White House on Monday announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
But it was initially unclear precisely when the pause in arms deliveries would take effect, or whether Trump was merely previewing a future suspension. New information revealed in fresh reports sheds more light on the matter, and clearly Trump means business. It was immediate upon the announcement.
"US weapons deliveries to Ukraine came to an abrupt halt on Monday evening after President Donald Trump ordered a pause on all aid to the war-torn country, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday," USA Today reports, based on an admin official.
Inbound shipments on military and transport plans literally turned around midflight, per the report:
After the order was given, all U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine came to a stop, as of 6 p.m. on Monday evening, according to a defense official. Planes carrying supplies en route to Ukraine would have had to turn around, the official said.
"It was unclear, as of Tuesday, whether Ukraine's direct contracts with U.S. weapons manufacturers, procured through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, would also be impacted," USA Today continues. "As of mid-December, $1.7 billion out of the $21.2 billion fund had not been used."
There was anticipation that Trump might have unveiled a signed minerals deal with Ukraine during Tuesday night's lengthy 90-minute address to Congress, but that didn't happen. Trump only referenced a vague letter from Zelensky saying Ukraine was merely interested in a minerals deal as well as achieving peace.
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