Kyiv urges urgent clarity as Washington pauses arms shipments, raising fears of renewed Russian advances and weakened air defenses.
Kyiv has sounded the alarm after the United States announced a halt to certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a move that Ukrainian officials fear could embolden Russia to escalate its military campaign.
On Tuesday, the White House confirmed a suspension of key arms shipments, including munitions and missile systems, citing a reassessment of US global military commitments. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated the decision was based on a Department of Defense review meant to “put America’s interests first.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and the US were “clarifying all the details on supplies,” while Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry warned that any delay “would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace.” Officials also stressed the country’s urgent need for strengthened air defences amid intensifying Russian drone and missile attacks, which have become near-nightly occurrences.
The announcement comes just days after Ukraine endured its most severe aerial bombardment since the war began, with more than 500 drones and missiles launched across major cities. Despite the critical situation, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said it had yet to receive formal notification from Washington regarding the pause, urging restraint amid speculation.
Meanwhile, reports from US media outlets suggest that the delayed shipments may include Patriot missile interceptors, Howitzer shells, and other key ammunition. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the US has sent tens of billions in military aid to Ukraine, though growing concerns over domestic stockpile levels—particularly among voices within the Trump administration—have sparked debate.
The Kremlin welcomed the news, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that fewer weapons for Ukraine bring the world “closer to the end of the special military operation.” The statement underscores Moscow’s belief that Western support is a critical factor prolonging the conflict.
Ukraine’s reliance on US military support remains profound. A military source quoted by AFP emphasized that while European allies are contributing significantly, “it will be difficult for us without American ammunition.”
Still, European support is under pressure too. Czech President Petr Pavel, a strong NATO advocate, recently admitted that continued Czech military aid to Ukraine would depend on the results of upcoming elections.
From Washington, Pentagon sources confirmed the pause is tied to long-term readiness concerns, but stressed the US armed forces “remain fully capable”—pointing to recent global posturing, including operations in the Middle East.
The timing of the announcement is politically charged. It comes days after former President Donald Trump met with Zelensky during the NATO summit in the Netherlands. While Trump has voiced skepticism about long-term aid to Ukraine, he indicated a willingness to revisit options, particularly around air defence support. Notably, earlier suspensions under his leadership were later reversed.
The situation remains fluid. The Pentagon says it is exploring options to maintain support without compromising US readiness. In April, a resource-sharing deal was signed granting the US access to Ukrainian mineral reserves in exchange for military aid, further entwining strategic interests.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to strike back. On Tuesday, a Ukrainian drone attack hit a Russian arms factory in Izhevsk—over 1,000km from the border—killing three people.
Despite Moscow’s claims of recent battlefield gains, including full control of the Luhansk region and advances in Dnipropetrovsk, none of these have been independently verified. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.
As the war drags into its fourth year, Ukraine’s message to its allies is clear: without continued military aid, the balance of power could shift dangerously in Russia’s favor.