France criticizes US for halting arms to Ukraine, calls it "setback for peace"

The suspension of Washington’s military aid to Kyiv is further delaying the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian conflict.

Minister-Delegate for European Affairs at the French Foreign Ministry, Benjamin Haddad, expressed this view during an interview with French media, emphasizing that cutting off weapons shipments moves peace further out of reach, Caliber.Az reports.

“Does the decision to suspend [supplies] of weapons to Ukraine strengthen or alienate peace? It alienates it,” Addad stated.

The decision was confirmed by a Pentagon spokesperson, who clarified that all military assistance not yet delivered to Ukraine is now on hold. This includes weapon shipments in transit by air and sea, as well as military equipment awaiting deployment in Poland.

The freeze follows reports that the order came directly from President Donald Trump after a tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. According to officials familiar with the situation, Trump was displeased with Zelenskyy’s conduct during the meeting, which he viewed as unacceptable. As a result, he linked the suspension of aid directly to Ukraine’s approach to the conflict.

Trump reportedly expressed frustration over what he saw as a lack of appreciation from Kyiv for Washington’s continued support. The aid freeze is expected to remain in effect until Ukraine demonstrates a commitment to peace.

Despite the decision, a White House official clarified that the measure is temporary and does not indicate a full termination of US assistance.

According to sources, the suspension is being used as leverage to push Kyiv toward negotiations, with the message that aid will only resume once Ukraine proves its willingness to pursue peace. The freeze applies to all military aid, including stockpiles in Poland, and will remain in place until Ukrainian leadership engages in peace talks in good faith.

The diplomatic fallout stems from the February 28 meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which was originally intended to focus on a mineral deal. However, the talks quickly turned confrontational. US Vice President J.D. Vance, who was also present, reportedly criticized Kyiv’s attitude toward American support. The tensions escalated to the point that Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than expected, and the anticipated agreement was never finalized.

By Tamilla Hasanova