On Monday the US paused billions of dollars worth of military assistance to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. This marks a significant change in direction toward the Eastern European conflict and America’s role in it. 

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House on February 28, a mineral resources deal — that could lead to a potential ceasefire in the Russo-Ukrainian War – was supposed to be signed by both leaders. However, that deal was left unsigned after Zelenskyy’s unexpected early departure. 

The pausing of aid comes after a contentious meeting between Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump last Friday. Zelenskyy was accused of being disrespectful as he talked with Trump and Vice President JD Vance about the war.

“You’re gambling with World War III,” President Trump told the Ukrainian leader. “What you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”

A White House official told CBS:

“The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”    

Responding to the US’s pause of aid, President Zelenskyy expressed regret over the hostile meeting on X. His commitment to peace and working with the US in the future to attain that goal remains present. 

According to Bloomberg, American weapons in transit, or waiting for transit, will not make way to Ukraine. 

The aid is a leftover responsibility from the prior administration. President Joe Biden ordered a delivery of $3.85 billion in weapons to Ukraine during his term. 

However, the European Union (EU) intends on filling the void left by the US regarding aid to Ukraine.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote a letter to the EU on the need to re-arm Europe and take on more responsibility within the continent and its interests.

“A new era is upon us,” von der Leyen began the letter.

“The future of a free and sovereign Ukraine – of a safe and prosperous Europe – is on the line. And this should frame the nature of our thinking, the boldness of our action and the urgency with which we will implement our decisions in the coming days and weeks.”

“We in Europe are very appreciative of the support of the United States and the role it has played in European security for decades. As the President of the Commission, strong relations with the United States are one of my major goals, both bilaterally and through the G7.”

Implying the United State’s recent position of distance toward Ukraine and the EU, von der Leyen addressed where she believes Europe stands geopolitically: 

“But the context in which we operate is changing drastically and dramatically. The foundations on which the whole postwar European political and economic order were built are being shaken to their core. And when the European order is shaken, history tells us that the whole international system can be destabilised.”

With regard to Ukraine and other European conflicts, the EU will “mobilize Europe’s immense resources” and summon its “collective spirit to defend democracy.”

Consequently, sentiment toward the US among several European leaders has grown leery. 

Newly elected Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz called the White House meeting with Zelenskyy “manufactured escalation” on Monday.  

The Financial Post reports that the EU will provide Ukraine an emergency package of $21 billion in military aid on Thursday.