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The United States has officially paused the delivery of certain weapons to Ukraine, including critical air defense systems.
Getting into it: In a notable development, the Pentagon confirmed that the United States has paused the delivery of certain weapons to Ukraine, including key air defense systems such as the Patriot missile batteries. This decision follows a months-long Department of Defense review of US military stockpiles and global commitments, which concluded that current inventories are under strain and that further shipments could impact America’s readiness for other strategic challenges.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed off on the pause, with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby providing a brief statement. He said, “The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded immediately, saying during his nightly address that all details surrounding the suspension of defense aid, particularly the air defense component, were being urgently clarified. “One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people,” Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine remains prepared to purchase systems like the Patriot, if necessary, to maintain civilian protection.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also confirmed that it had not received any formal notification regarding a change in the delivery schedule and immediately requested clarification from its US counterparts.
Russia, meanwhile, openly welcomed the news. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “The less weapons are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation.” Russian officials have repeatedly framed Western military support as the primary obstacle to ending the conflict on their terms, and the current US pause is being seen by Moscow as a strategic advantage.
This comes as Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick and Michael McCaul called on President Trump to resume military aid to Ukraine and hold an emergency briefing for Congress. In a letter to Trump, Congressman Fitzpatrick wrote, “Mr. President, Ukrainian soldiers and pilots are not only defending their homeland, they are holding the line of defense of the entire democratic world. In defending freedom, there can be no half measures. Ukraine’s courage must be backed by action – the US must, as always, uphold peace through strength.”
Congressman McCaul added, “I led the effort to pass the emergency wartime supplemental to ensure Ukraine finally had the weapons it needed to repel Russia’s vicious and unprovoked attack. We can’t let Putin prevail now. President Trump knows that too and it’s why he’s been advocating for peace. Now is the time to show Putin we mean business. And that starts with ensuring Ukraine has the weapons Congress authorized to pressure Putin to the negotiating table.”
