The United States has temporarily stopped sending certain air defence missiles and other weapons to Ukraine because its own military reserves are running low, according to officials.
These weapons were originally promised during President Joe Biden’s administration to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia. However, under President Donald Trump, the US has changed its priorities.
“This decision was made to put America’s interests first, following a Pentagon review of our military support to countries around the world,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
She also stated, “The strength of the US Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,” referring to Trump’s recent missile attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Shipments Put on Hold
A US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that deliveries not yet shipped would be delayed. This is because some US weapons stockpiles are nearly depleted.
Since the war began in February 2022, the US has provided over $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Although the US has asked its allies to contribute air defence systems, many Eastern European nations are hesitant to send theirs. They also feel threatened by Russia and want to keep their own defences strong.
Timing and Impact
This pause in shipments comes right after Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine over the past weekend. The attack weakened hopes for peace talks, which Trump had been trying to lead.
Last week, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit. During the meeting, Trump said he was considering sending Patriot missile systems to Ukraine. But he pointed out that the US also needs them for its own defence and to protect Israel.
“They want the anti-missile systems — the Patriots,” Trump said. “We’ll see if we can make some available. They’re very effective — 100 percent effective.”
His remarks signalled a shift in how the Trump administration plans to help Ukraine.
New Priorities Under Trump
At a Senate hearing in June, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained the administration’s new focus. He said he was cutting wasteful military programs and working toward Trump’s top priorities.
Hegseth stressed that a peaceful resolution between Ukraine and Russia would make the United States appear strong, even though Russia started the war.
He added that Europe should take more responsibility for its defence. He credited Trump for encouraging this shift and confirmed that the US would now reduce its financial support to Ukraine.
“This administration views the conflict differently,” Hegseth said. “We believe a negotiated peace is in the best interest of both Ukraine and Russia — and of America.”
US Steps Back From Ukraine Defense Group
Last month, Hegseth skipped a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an international alliance the US originally created to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. This was the first time a US defense secretary missed the meeting.
Under former Secretary Lloyd Austin, the US had led this group, holding regular sessions both online and in person.
However, before pulling back completely, Hegseth had already shifted leadership of the group to Germany and the UK. This marked a clear sign of the US stepping away from a leading role in Ukraine’s military support.