Sun Jan 26 03:02:07 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Confirms Continued US Military Aid Despite Rubio’s Pause
**KYIV, Ukraine (The Hindu) –** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured the public Saturday that the US has not halted military aid to Ukraine, despite newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of a 90-day pause on foreign aid grants. While Zelenskyy didn’t address the status of humanitarian aid, Ukraine relies on the US for 40% of its military needs. This reassurance comes amidst uncertainty surrounding US aid under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the handling of the conflict, suggested Zelenskyy should have negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Zelenskyy reported having positive meetings with Trump and expressed confidence in his ability to end the war, stating that a resolution requires Ukrainian participation.
Meanwhile, fighting continues intensely in eastern Ukraine. Russia claims advances in Velyka Novosilka, though these claims remain unverified. Shelling in the Russian-occupied Kherson region killed three civilians. Overnight, Russia launched a missile and drone attack, with Ukraine’s air defenses intercepting many of the projectiles, though some caused damage and casualties in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, and Kharkiv regions. The attacks disrupted essential services including water and electricity in Kharkiv. Both sides are seeking battlefield gains to leverage their negotiating positions as the prospect of peace talks looms.
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