Trump's Halt In Ukraine Aid A Strategic Move to Push for Peace, Says Analyst

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- The recent decision by United States (US) President Donald Trump to halt military aid to Ukraine has drawn international attention, with analysts viewing it as a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the ongoing conflict.

Security and International Relations Analyst at the University of Malaya (UM), Collins Chong Yew Keat, told Bernama that Trump's move appears to be part of a broader strategy to pave the way for peace talks while reconfiguring US engagement in global conflicts.

“This halt in aid is a calculated move by Trump to push Kyiv to the negotiating table,” he said in a written statement.

Trump may also wish to send a strong message to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin that he holds the upper hand in shaping the course of the war, said Chong.

The decision follows a tense exchange at the White House involving Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky. Trump reportedly advocated for an immediate peace deal, but the Ukrainian leader stood firm on his calls for sustained US support.

Analysts cited in international media believe that the absence of US military and intelligence support could impact Ukraine’s operational capabilities.

“For Zelensky, the halt in aid will severely affect Ukraine’s fighting abilities,” said Collins.

Trump’s approach marks a departure from that of the previous administration, with the US president stating that financial responsibility for military aid should be reconsidered.

The pause in aid has drawn responses from European leaders, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convening an emergency summit in London to discuss how Europe might compensate for  the gap left by Washington.

The European Union (EU) has announced plans to mobilise US$840 billion in defence spending, though questions remain over Europe’s ability to sustain Ukraine’s defence effort without direct US backing.

Meanwhile, Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Russia has triggered speculation regarding potential shifts in US foreign policy. Putin has reportedly offered to assist Trump in brokering nuclear talks with Iran.

"Trump is undoing decades of norms and barriers that have limited Washington’s choices before, and he is focused on fixing what he sees as past miscalculations," said Chong.

-- BERNAMA