Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Republican lawmakers in the Senate are beginning to split over President Trump’s decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Some shit you should know before you read: Shortly after the heated conversation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, the Trump administration announced a pause on all military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This includes the suspension of critical shipments of weapons, ammunition, and defense systems that Ukraine has relied on to counter Russian forces. Additionally, the halt on intelligence sharing is significantly impacting Ukraine’s access to real-time battlefield data, surveillance, and strategic insights that have been crucial in its defense efforts. Military analysts have warned that without continued US support, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its front lines could deteriorate within months.
What’s going on now: While many Republicans in the House have remained quiet on President Trump’s decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Senate Republicans are increasingly divided. Some, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), view the pause as a temporary measure meant to pressure Ukraine into peace talks and ensure NATO allies contribute more to the war effort. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) echoed this sentiment, stating that while he is “okay” with a short pause as a negotiation tactic, he hopes it will be brief. Others, such as Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has expressed serious concern, arguing that US intelligence is critical for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and should not be withheld.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have been among the most vocal critics, warning that halting aid now would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), a member of the Armed Services Committee, outright disagreed with the pause, arguing that continued military support should be part of a long-term US strategy.
What about Democrats? Senate Democrats have remained unified in their criticism of President Trump’s decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, arguing that it undermines US national security and strengthens Russia. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the move a “critical strategic mistake” that weakens Ukraine at a pivotal moment in the war. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) accused Trump of “siding with Putin over US allies in Europe.”
This comes as Senate Democrats have introduced multiple resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion and reaffirming US support for Ukraine. These resolutions have all been blocked by Republican lawmakers, who hold a majority in the Senate.
