According to the officials, Trump wants an agreement giving the United States access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, including rare earth metals. However, he also expects to see changes in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stance on peace talks,

British journalist and author Mark Urban, known for his book The Skripal Files, explored whether Zelenskyy can still negotiate peace while remaining in power. He described the Ukrainian president as facing “the most difficult dilemma of his political career” — one complicated further by mounting US pressure.

Some foreign policy analysts and Democratic lawmakers are aghast. Others have compared Trump’s about-face on the war to the U.S. switching sides during World War II. Alexander Vindman, a former National Security Council aide, even claimed that Trump was now pursuing a Russia First policy.

Trump has adopted a tough stance toward Kyiv, announcing a freeze on U.S. aid for Ukraine just days after accusing Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III.”

Trump's decision to essentially blind Ukrainian forces marks a major twist in the Russia-Ukraine war as the US has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv since invasion began in February 2022.

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK >> The U.S. has paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said today, piling pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cooperate with President Donald Trump in convening peace talks with Russia.

Intelligence from the US and other allies also helps Ukraine prepare for Russian attacks, and supplied critical information in the war's early days that allowed Ukraine to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin's hopes for a quick victory.