The Ukrainian leader has failed to show sufficient gratitude for what Trump estimated to be $350 billion worth of US aid, the American president has said

US President Donald Trump has likened Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky's ability to secure hundreds of billions of dollars from the previous administration to "taking candy from a baby."

The Republican has repeatedly criticized his predecessor for his unbridled generosity toward Kiev, noting that Washington was not getting anything in return.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump stated that Zelensky "took money out of this country under [US President Joe] Biden like candy from a baby. It was so easy."

Trump reiterated his claim that "we gave him, in my opinion, $350 billion," adding that the Ukrainian leader has failed to show due gratitude. Trump once again insisted that had he been US president in 2022, the Ukraine crisis would not have escalated into open hostilities.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump warned that "if [the Ukrainians] don't want to settle, we're out of there." Any further US assistance would be contingent on Kiev demonstrating its commitment to reaching peace with Moscow, he clarified.

On Wednesday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that the "National Security Council told me... they paused or they are reconsidering the funding for Ukraine."

"It's a pause for a review," she added.

Last Friday, Trump and Zelensky engaged in an acrimonious exchange at the White House in front of TV cameras. What was supposed to be a prelude to the signing of an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine's minerals, including rare earths, saw the US president accuse his visitor of "gambling with World War III" over the Ukrainian leader's refusal to negotiate with Russia.

Following the scandal, the US suspended military assistance to Ukraine, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirming on Wednesday that intelligence sharing with Kiev had also been put on hold.

(RT.com)