MWE Correspondent
President Donald Trump has rejected growing media claims that the United States has suspended military aid to Ukraine, saying that weapons are still being sent—even as Washington takes measures to safeguard its own national defense capabilities.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that reports about a total freeze in military assistance are “completely false,” adding that support to Ukraine remains intact, though the U.S. must be careful not to exhaust its own military reserves.
“We’ve provided a lot already,” Trump said. “Biden emptied the shelves, and now we need to make sure our forces are protected. But no—aid to Ukraine has not stopped.”
Concerns began to rise earlier this week after several major news outlets, including The Economist, suggested that Washington had paused or slowed the delivery of specific weapons systems to Ukraine. According to reports, the pause affected:
- Patriot missile systems, crucial for defending against aerial attacks
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, used in precision strikes
- GMLRS rockets, for long-range attacks
- Tens of thousands of 155 mm artillery shells, used by howitzers on the frontlines
According to the Pentagon, the decision to delay some shipments was based on a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles rather than a change in policy toward Ukraine.
The tension comes at a critical time for Ukraine. Following a massive wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urgently requested the resumption of full arms shipments, particularly air defense systems.
In a recent phone call between Trump and Zelenskyy, both leaders discussed the need to reinforce Ukraine’s defense network. U.S. officials say additional Patriots may soon be dispatched, once internal assessments are complete.
Trump’s comments came shortly after reports that he had also spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Within hours of their conversation, Russian forces launched one of the largest attacks on Kyiv since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, using over 500 projectiles, including Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.
Some analysts suggest the timing of the strike may have been intentional—a signal from Moscow amid perceived hesitation from Washington.
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The temporary pause in American aid has prompted European nations to step up their support. Germany, in particular, is reportedly in talks to acquire and send more Patriot batteries to Ukraine to maintain air coverage.
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Meanwhile, NATO has reiterated its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that any reduction in U.S. support must be balanced by broader alliance coordination.
Though Trump insists that America remains fully committed to Ukraine’s defense, he also emphasized the importance of preserving U.S. capabilities for future contingencies. The administration, he says, is walking a fine line between helping its allies and ensuring American security is not compromised.
“We’re not walking away,” Trump said. “But we have to make smart decisions for our military and our people.”
For Ukrainian citizens, many of whom face daily bombardments, the stakes remain high. The future of U.S. support—whether uninterrupted or delayed—could influence the trajectory of the war as Ukraine continues to fight for its survival.
