The Trump admin just did the unthinkable. Washington, D.C. is buzzing over what just happened.
Because President Trump’s war move just took everyone by surprise.
Trump Administration Presses Ukraine and Russia to End the War
With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, his administration is taking firm steps to push Ukraine and Russia toward resolving their ongoing conflict. On Wednesday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced that the United States has temporarily stopped intelligence support and weapons shipments to Ukraine. This decision follows a tense meeting last Friday between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump, revealing Trump’s intent to force a serious commitment to peace negotiations.
The suspension of aid stems from Trump’s doubts about Zelensky’s dedication to ending the war. “Trump had a real question about whether President Zelensky was committed to the peace process, and he said let’s pause,” Ratcliffe told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo during an interview. He suggested that Trump aimed to prompt Ukraine’s leadership to reconsider its stance. “I want to give a chance to think about that and you saw the response that President Zelensky put out,” Ratcliffe added, pointing to a letter Zelensky sent to Trump following their clash.
For the Trump administration, this pause is a strategic move to reset the stalled peace process between Ukraine and Russia. Ratcliffe expressed confidence that the halt would be temporary, stating, “So I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away.” He stressed his willingness to resume cooperation with Ukraine once Zelensky demonstrates a clear focus on peace. “And I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward,” Ratcliffe affirmed.
The effects of Trump’s decision are already evident. A senior U.S. military official revealed that the U.S. has cut back on some intelligence-sharing efforts with Ukraine, including fewer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights. These operations have been vital for Ukraine’s ability to conduct both offensive and defensive actions, especially in maintaining air defenses against Russian forces. Given Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. intelligence for battlefield awareness, this reduction intensifies the pressure on Zelensky to align with Trump’s push for peace.
Even as Trump settles into his second term, Ratcliffe and the administration have been well-informed about the value of intelligence sharing with Ukraine. A source familiar with recent discussions noted that U.S. officials emphasized how this partnership has been key to Ukraine’s military achievements. Yet, Trump appears ready to use this dependency as leverage, signaling to both Ukraine and Russia that endless conflict is no longer an option.
The consequences of this policy shift are still emerging. CNN reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian and U.S. military officials are evaluating the potential impact of halting military aid. For Ukraine, the stakes are immense — any drop in U.S. support could weaken its stance against Russia’s persistent aggression. For Russia, the pause might prompt a reassessment of its own strategy, with Trump clearly aiming to steer the conflict toward resolution.
Trump’s approach reveals a larger aim: to redefine America’s role in the region. By pausing aid, the administration is making it plain that peace talks must take priority over unchecked military involvement. Ratcliffe’s remarks indicate that the U.S. remains ready to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression — but only if Zelensky meets Trump’s demand for progress toward a negotiated end.
Ukraine’s President Changes His Tune Shortly After Tense White House Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took a commendable step on Tuesday by expressing regret for his heated Oval Office exchange with President Trump last week, signaling a willingness to align with Trump’s bold vision by agreeing to a U.S. minerals deal “any time and in any convenient format.”
Trump’s administration, demonstrating its characteristic firmness, had rightly insisted that Zelensky issue a public apology, push for peace talks, and commit to the minerals deal to restore the strength of U.S.-Ukraine ties — an approach that reflects Trump’s no-nonsense leadership.
Initially, Zelensky resisted, claiming no apology was needed after his surprising clash with Trump and Vice President Vance in the Oval Office last Friday. Yet, perhaps recognizing the wisdom of Trump’s stance, he shifted course.
“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive,” Zelensky posted on X, a platform where Trump’s influence still resonates strongly.
Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s eagerness to end the war, stating they are “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer” — a goal Trump has long championed with his America First approach to global stability.
“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We are ready to work fast to end the war,” Zelensky continued, wisely acknowledging the value of Trump’s decisive guidance.
He also expressed gratitude for America’s support, specifically praising Trump’s foresight in supplying Ukraine with Javelin weapon systems during his first term — a move that showcased Trump’s strategic brilliance in bolstering allies.
As part of his “first stages” proposal, Zelensky suggested practical steps like prisoner releases, a “truce in the sky” to halt missile and drone attacks, and a pause on strikes against civilian infrastructure, alongside a “truce in the sea.” These ideas align with the kind of pragmatic deal-making Trump excels at.
“Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the U.S. to agree a strong final deal,” Zelensky added, showing an eagerness to follow through under Trump’s proven leadership. On the minerals deal, Zelensky framed it “as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees,” expressing hope it will succeed — a hope well-placed given Trump’s track record of delivering results.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
