The United States has paused part of its military aid to Ukraine, catching Kyiv by surprise. The White House said on Tuesday that it had halted some promised weapons shipments, though it didn’t mention which ones.
According to US officials, the pause came after a review of America’s own defense needs and its aid to foreign allies.
Officials Say US Support Isn’t Over
On Wednesday, US departments tried to clear the confusion. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the military still supported Ukraine, noting that the Defense Department continued to offer “robust options regarding military aid” to help the president work toward ending the war.
Meanwhile, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that “this is not a cessation” of US support. She added that the pause involved only “one event, and one situation,” and said officials would address other issues as they came up.
Reports Point to Key Weapons Held Back
Even though the White House didn’t list specific items, US media outlets like Politico reported that Patriot missiles, Hellfire missiles, and precision artillery rounds were among the delayed weapons.
However, Bruce insisted that the president still showed “commitment regarding Patriot missiles,” which are vital to Ukraine’s air defense system.
Ukraine Seeks Immediate Answers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address that both sides were now working together to “clarify the details on supplies.” He added that continued American support was “in our common interest.”
In a rare move, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned John Ginkel, the US embassy’s deputy chief of mission, to express concern. This kind of diplomatic step usually happens with adversaries, not with trusted partners.
Trump’s Role Sparks Fear in Kyiv
Under President Joe Biden, the US led global support for Ukraine, providing over $100 billion, including $43 billion in weapons. But Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in January, has taken a different path.
Trump has questioned the billions sent to Ukraine and encouraged peace talks. According to reports, he even spoke with President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly refused a ceasefire unless Ukraine gave up more territory.
Kyiv Remains Dependent on US Weapons
As US support wavers, Ukraine is turning to Europe. But a senior Ukrainian military source told AFP that “Europe is doing its best,” yet added, “it will be difficult for us without American ammunition.”
A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in May said Europe had made “only limited progress” in growing its defense industries. The study noted that “continued US aid remains extremely important” for Ukraine to stay strong on the battlefield.
Russia Welcomes US Decision
Meanwhile, Russia welcomed the US pause in aid. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the fewer the weapons delivered to Ukraine, “the closer the end of the special military operation”—the term Russia uses for its invasion.
Russian Attacks on the Rise
While aid slows, Russian attacks have surged. Ukraine’s air force reported that missile and drone strikes in June nearly doubled compared to May. At least four deadly attacks hit Kyiv in June, killing over 40 people. Now, many residents fear things could get worse.
Kyiv resident Igor Stambol said people had long seen America as “a country of values” and one “that defends democracy.” However, he added, “there is hope that they will remember their values.”