**Republicans Call on Trump to Resume Military Aid to Ukraine**
US lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to restart US military and intelligence aid to Ukraine. This comes after the Trump administration halted aid following a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The decision was intended to put pressure on Zelensky in peace talks with Russia. However, Republicans say this could have a devastating effect on Ukraine’s combat capabilities and undermine its leverage in talks with Moscow.
“We should not be pausing our efforts,” said Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It’s the Ukrainians who are shedding blood.”
Some Republicans also want Trump to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine. John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that US intelligence has been essential for Ukraine to stay in the fight.
**Russia Launches Aerial Attack on Ukraine**
Just after the US halted intelligence-sharing, Russia launched another large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine. Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones out of 67 missiles and 194 drones launched by Russia.
**Trump Says Pause is Temporary**
US President Donald Trump said the pause in military aid was a temporary measure to create a window for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. However, some lawmakers warn that an excessively long pause could have serious consequences for Ukraine’s combat capabilities.
The halt in military aid leaves over $1 billion in weapons and ammunition undelivered to Kyiv. The pause in intelligence sharing affects warnings against Russian drones and missiles striking Ukrainian military and civilian targets.
**Zelensky to Meet with US Partners**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa and discuss efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.