KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured on Saturday that U.S. military aid to Ukraine has not been halted, despite newly-appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a 90-day pause on foreign aid grants.
Speaking alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stated, “I am focused on military aid; it has not been stopped, thank God.” However, he did not clarify the status of humanitarian aid. Ukraine depends on the U.S. for 40% of its military resources.
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The two leaders met to address energy concerns in Moldova’s Russian-occupied Transnistria region, which has faced a natural gas shortage since Ukraine halted Russian gas transit on January 1. Ukraine has offered coal supplies to help mitigate the crisis.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Aid Amid Trump’s Return to Office
The future of U.S. support for Ukraine remains uncertain under President Donald Trump, who has criticized the conflict and suggested Ukraine could have avoided war by striking a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump emphasized his willingness to impose strict tariffs and sanctions on Russia unless a peace agreement is reached. He has also vowed to end the war swiftly, though both Moscow and Kyiv continue to prepare for potential negotiations by pursuing battlefield gains.
Zelenskyy expressed optimism about U.S. involvement, saying, “This can only be done with Ukraine; otherwise, it simply will not work because Russia does not want to end the war, and Ukraine does.”
Intense Fighting in Eastern Ukraine
As both sides aim to strengthen their positions, Russia has intensified its campaign in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Russian forces claim to have advanced into Velyka Novosilka, though this remains unverified.
Meanwhile, Moscow-installed officials in the Russian-occupied Kherson region reported three civilian deaths due to shelling, urging residents to remain in shelters.
Drone and Missile Strikes Target Ukraine
Overnight, Russia launched two missiles and 61 Shahed drones across Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted both missiles and 46 drones, with the remaining drones causing damage in Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Khmelnytskyi regions. In Kyiv, emergency services evacuated five people from a fire-damaged apartment block.
In Kharkiv, Russian drones struck multiple districts, including Shevchenkivskyi, Kyivskyi, and Kholodnohirskyi. A Molniya drone, a new low-cost weapon recently deployed by Russia, sparked a fire in Shevchenkivskyi. The attacks disrupted water and electricity supplies in the city, leaving at least three people injured.
As the conflict grinds on, both Ukraine and Russia remain locked in a high-stakes struggle to shape the terms of any future peace talks.
Key Points
- U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine Continues: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that U.S. military aid remains uninterrupted despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio pausing foreign aid grants for 90 days.
- Uncertainty Under Trump Administration: President Donald Trump, in his second term, has criticized Ukraine’s handling of the conflict and urged for a peace deal with Russia. He has threatened sanctions on Russia if no resolution is reached.
- Moldova Energy Crisis: Zelenskyy and Moldovan President Maia Sandu discussed addressing the energy needs of Transnistria, offering coal supplies after Ukraine halted Russian gas transit.
- Intense Eastern Offensive: Russian forces continue to push in the Donetsk region, claiming progress in Velyka Novosilka, though unverified. Shelling in Russian-occupied Kherson killed three civilians.
- Drone and Missile Strikes: Russia launched two missiles and 61 Shahed drones across Ukraine, with Ukrainian defenses intercepting the majority. Strikes caused significant damage and injuries in Kyiv and Kharkiv, disrupting water and electricity.
- Civilian Casualties: In Kharkiv, Russian drones injured three civilians and damaged critical infrastructure, including water and electricity supplies.
- Zelenskyy’s Optimism: Despite Trump’s critical stance, Zelenskyy remains hopeful that the U.S. will help achieve peace, emphasizing that Ukraine’s cooperation is essential to end the war.
