**US Halt Military Aid to Ukraine: “They Brought It On Themselves”, Says Trump Envoy**
The US has stopped sending military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine. This move is seen as an attempt to put pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in peace talks.
According to a report by the New York Times, over $1 billion worth of undelivered weapons and ammunition are now stuck due to this halt in military aid. Additionally, intelligence sharing has been paused, which will impact warnings against Russian drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian military and civilian targets.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that the decision was made because Zelensky “brought it on themselves”. This statement is seen as a major shift in the US stance towards Ukraine.
However, there are different views on this issue. Norwegian leaders have agreed to increase aid for Ukraine by $4.6 billion, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for durable solutions beyond sending European peacekeepers.
**Ukraine and Russia Peace Talks**
The Istanbul talks between Ukraine and Russia held last year outlined potential terms for a peace deal. However, US President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that these talks cannot serve as the basis for a peace deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated his commitment to working towards peace under Trump’s leadership. The two leaders had a heated exchange on February 28, which led to the halt in military aid and intelligence sharing.
**World Leaders’ Views**
European Council President Antonio Costa said that the best security guarantee for Ukraine is the Ukrainian people themselves. French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed creating a protection zone around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.
US President Donald Trump has stated his intention to bring an end to the war, saying “we’re not looking to hurt them”. The US Treasury Secretary has also announced plans to keep enhanced sanctions in place.
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