The United States has paused some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns over low stockpiles. This decision has caused alarm in Kyiv, where officials warn it could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself amid escalating Russian attacks.
Military aid vital amid rising attacks
In recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified air strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, using hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Dozens of civilians have been killed, and the ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine has seen Russian advances.
Firefighters work at the site of a building heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released July 2, 2025. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry stressed that any delay in military support would only encourage Russia to prolong the war. The Ukrainian defense ministry said it had not received official notification of a shipment halt and is seeking clarity from U.S. counterparts.
Precision munitions and air defense affected
A Russian Mi-28 military helicopter flies in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict above Donetsk, a Russian-controlled city of Ukraine, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko
Sources familiar with the Pentagon’s decision said the pause includes precision munitions and air defense interceptors, such as Patriot missiles, which Ukraine relies on to intercept Russian drones and fast-moving ballistic missiles. Politico reported the pause on Tuesday.
As reported by Reuters, Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of Ukraine’s national security and defense committee, described the decision as “very unpleasant,” especially given the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Pentagon weighing options amid changing policies
The Pentagon stated it is offering options to President Trump to continue military aid aligned with ending the war while balancing U.S. military readiness. The Trump administration has softened its stance toward Russia, emphasizing diplomatic solutions and expressing doubts about continued military support for Kyiv.
FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator holds a banner depicting a playing card with portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally against Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in front of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine March 8, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo
Weapon shipments were briefly paused earlier this year but resumed after approval under the Biden administration. No new official policy on aid has been announced.
Concerns among Kyiv
Residents in Kyiv, where recent missile strikes have killed more than two dozen people, expressed deep concern. Lawyer Oksana Kurochkina said she might move out if air defenses are no longer available, prioritizing her safety amid the uncertainty.
FILE PHOTO: Rescuers carry an injured woman at the site of a building damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine June 24, 2025. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo
Military analysts warn that halting precision munitions shipments will limit Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian positions behind front lines, potentially costing lives and territory. The Kremlin welcomed the news, claiming the conflict could end sooner if fewer arms reach Ukraine.
