Trump sets conditions for restarting aid to Ukraine Demands Ukrainian elections, concessions to Russia

As U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare for a crucial meeting in Saudi Arabia this week, President Donald Trump has made clear his stance on future support for Ukraine, according to sources within the administration.

Trump, who has pushed for a deal that would see the U.S. gain a stake in Ukraine’s mineral resources, insists that the agreement alone will not suffice to restore vital military aid and intelligence sharing, Caliber.Az reports, referencing U.S. media.

Trump is seeking a shift in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approach to peace talks,  demanding that Kyiv show a greater willingness to make concessions to Russia, including ceding territory. In addition, Trump is calling for movement on Ukrainian elections and even suggested that Zelenskyy might need to step down as leader, the sources revealed.

Under martial law since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine has paused its elections. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, however, noted that, “As President Trump demonstrated by reading President Zelenskyy’s message at the joint session, the Ukrainians have made positive movement. With meetings in Saudi this coming week, we look forward to hearing more positive movement that will hopefully ultimately end this brutal war and bloodshed.”

The pause in U.S. intelligence sharing has coincided with a sharp increase in Russian attacks on Ukraine, which have resulted in one of the deadliest days for civilians this year, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Most casualties have been concentrated in the Donetsk region, which remains under Ukrainian control. The mission noted that casualty figures for 2025 are already surpassing those of 2024.

While U.S. officials have stressed that there is no direct indication that the halt in intelligence sharing has led to these attacks, they acknowledged that the large-scale offensives were likely planned before the suspension of assistance. “Every day hurts Ukraine, and every day gives Russia a more favourable position,” a Western official said.

Republican lawmakers in Congress are increasing pressure on the Biden administration to restart both military aid and intelligence sharing. Sources have indicated that a resumption of U.S. support could be on the horizon, with an agreement potentially coming as soon as next week, particularly following Zelenskyy’s recent statement expressing Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate for peace.

"We are ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible," Zelenskyy said, adding that his government is “ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts."

Despite the pause in intelligence sharing, the U.S. continues to provide Ukraine with defensive intelligence, such as warnings of impending Russian attacks. However, targeting information, which would allow Ukraine to strike Russian positions, is no longer being provided. European allies are attempting to fill this gap, but the lack of U.S. intelligence is having a notable impact on Ukraine’s military efforts.

“The U.S. still has a duty to warn Ukraine, but we are no longer providing targeting coordinates for Ukraine to strike first,” one official explained.

By Aghakazim Guliyev