U.S. reportedly resistant to providing certain weapons to Ukraine
In a significant development, the United States has temporarily halted shipments of certain promised weapons to Ukraine, primarily due to concerns that its own military stockpiles have dropped too low. This pause was the result of a Pentagon review of U.S. munitions, which identified dwindling levels of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and precision munitions deemed critical for both Ukraine's defense and U.S. readiness.
The decision, driven by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, reflects a shift in priorities under the current Trump administration, which emphasizes putting America’s interests first after reviewing global military support commitments. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe.”
The specific weapons being withheld include some air defense missiles and other precision munitions that were previously pledged to Ukraine during the Biden administration to help defend against Russia’s escalating attacks. However, neither the Trump administration nor Pentagon officials have fully disclosed which exact weapons or the scale of the reduction as of now.
Despite this pause, U.S. officials maintain that the Pentagon continues to provide the president with robust options for military aid to Ukraine, while also ensuring U.S. forces remain fully equipped to deter threats. Senate actions to modernize U.S. weapons and defense systems were highlighted as part of maintaining long-term military readiness.
The halt has drawn criticism from some Democrats who warn it could severely weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing intense combat. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern that the pause significantly weakens Ukraine’s defenses against aerial attacks as Russian forces continue relentless assaults.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is investigating a suspected drone attack near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The incident occurred approximately 600 meters away from one of the six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest.
The IAEA has been playing a central role in protecting and monitoring the condition and safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants since the beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. IAEA expert teams have been regularly sent to active reactor sites in Rivne and Khmelnytskyi, and have been permanently present at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant since September 2022, which has been under Russian control since March 2022.
This news comes as French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin had their first telephone conversation in over two and a half years. Putin also emphasized his desire to create a "buffer zone" in the Ukrainian border area, which would bring more Ukrainian territories under Moscow's control. Macron demanded a rapid ceasefire and the start of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian attack for more than three years. The USA has provided tens of billions of dollars in military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, including a wide range of weaponry and intelligence support. While some shipments are paused, the Pentagon continues to explore options to supply military aid while balancing the need to maintain U.S. military readiness. Other countries continue to support Ukraine militarily, but the recent U.S. move marks a significant recalibration in large-scale direct arms shipments from Washington.
The decision made by the Trump administration, under Elbridge Colby's guidance, reshapes U.S. military support commitments, prioritizing American interests over global politics, general news, crime-and-justice, and war-and-conflicts, as evident in the temporary halt of certain promised weapons shipments to Ukraine. This pause in military aid, which includes air defense missiles and other precision munitions, has prompted criticism from some Democrats who fear it might weaken Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian attacks.
