Trump's decision to pause aid may, to many in Ukraine and beyond, seem petulant. But there is also clearly a political aim to force them to the negotiating table sooner. The hope among European allies is that it will just be a pause. Without US support, Ukraine will find it an even harsher struggle for survival.

Trump is ramping up his attacks on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. financial support for Ukraine's war against Russia.