"Zelensky Bows to Trump Pressure as U.S. Halts Military Aid, Leaving Ukraine Vulnerable"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given in to substantial pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, agreeing to immediate peace negotiations after the U.S. halted essential military aid. The aid freeze is expected to critically impact Ukraine's defense capability, especially its stock of long-range Patriot missiles, leaving it potentially defenseless against Russian aerial assaults within days.

Addressing tensions after a reportedly contentious meeting at the White House, Zelensky expressed regret at how the discussion unfolded and voiced his commitment to forging a more constructive relationship. He emphasized readiness to initiate peace talks as promptly as possible, under Trump's direction, and proposed specific short-term measures, including prisoner releases and an immediate truce forbidding missile, drone, and other aerial attacks on civilian infrastructure, as well as maritime security.

Additionally, Ukraine directly addressed American interests by offering concessions, such as granting the U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources in exchange for continued support. Zelensky's cooperative stance was announced shortly before Trump's scheduled address to Congress, signaling determination from Kyiv to mitigate the severe dangers posed by the halt in military assistance.

Military experts warn of potentially catastrophic consequences if missile supplies run out. U.S. Patriot missile systems have been essential in neutralizing large-scale drone and missile attacks from Russia, which strike at Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure almost daily. The current situation leaves Ukraine vulnerable to intensified Russian attacks aimed at crippling airfields and command centers, thereby neutralizing key defensive capabilities.

Military leaders, including Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton and General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, have emphasized the gravity of Ukraine's dependence on American supplies, pointing out Europe's limited capabilities and dwindling weapon stocks. Experts predict Russia will exploit this window of weakness by rapidly escalating missile and drone strikes, significantly increasing daily strikes from 100-200 attacks per day up to potentially 500 per day, overwhelming Ukrainian defenses.

Ukrainian battlefield commanders have also warned that conventional defensive measures already struggle to counter the evolving tactics of Russian forces effectively. Despite recent European efforts to supply medium-range anti-aircraft weaponry and Britain's announcement of missile production plans, these systems lack the range and efficiency of the American Patriot system, which has a range of up to 160 kilometers.

As Ukraine now rushes toward peace negotiations in response to the aid suspension, the looming uncertainty places it in a delicate and precarious position, desperately seeking to avert renewed Russian momentum and further damage to its civilian populations and strategic capabilities.