**US Military Aid to Ukraine: A Temporary Pause**
The US military aid to Ukraine has been put on hold, but it’s not a permanent stop. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that the pause is temporary and linked to the heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
Zelensky had met with Trump in the Oval Office on February 28, where they had a confrontation. Since then, senior US officials have been asking Zelensky to express regret for the meeting. Johnson said that if Zelensky signs a minerals deal, it would be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
**Pressure from the US**
The US has suspended military aid to Ukraine as part of a pressure campaign to push President Zelensky toward negotiations with Russia. Trump’s senior adviser, Jason Miller, said that the aid freeze is part of a broader effort to get Zelensky to agree to peace talks with Russia.
**Ukraine Responds**
President Zelensky has called the outcome of the Oval Office meeting “regrettable” and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to sign the minerals deal. The Ukrainian government has also assured citizens that there are enough oil reserves for households and businesses.
**International Reactions**
The US has not consulted with its NATO allies about suspending military aid to Ukraine, according to Polish foreign ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski. Oil prices have fallen by 2% due to the situation.
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