In Kyiv, Ukrainians found themselves unsettled by the United States’ decision to suspend military aid in their ongoing conflict with Russia. The directive, issued by President Donald Trump, aims to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into initiating peace talks with Russia. This decision, however, could potentially disrupt the delivery of arms previously approved, though it remains uncertain if it will affect the arrival of ammunition for existing weapons systems in Ukraine.
Ukraine has relied heavily on international support since Russia’s invasion commenced on February 24, 2022. Notable among this support are U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems and critical U.S. intelligence, which have been instrumental for Ukraine’s defense. The possibility of losing these resources raises concerns, as European assistance would not suffice to replace the strategic advantages provided by the U.S.
Feelings of betrayal were voiced by Ukrainian soldiers, such as one fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, reflecting anticipation of such a suspension from Trump’s administration. The soldier highlighted the pragmatic nature of warfare, emphasizing the necessity of adequate weapons, ammunition, and infantry to succeed.
Another soldier expressed fears that the pause in aid would allow Russian forces to make significant advances. He recalled a previous seven-month delay in U.S. support, which resulted in Russia capturing Avdiivka, a key city.
Confusion surrounds Trump’s motives, according to Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee. Merezhko criticized the potential alignment of Trump’s policies with Russian interests, suggesting they may force Ukraine into compromising positions. Odesa resident Olena Fedorova hoped the decision was a temporary setback given Ukraine’s dire need for continued support.
The relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine has deteriorated recently as the Trump administration commenced bilateral discussions with Russia. Trump has championed peace negotiations, initially claiming he could resolve the conflict in 24 hours, though he later extended this timeframe to six months.
The Kremlin supports the pause in aid, with Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it a potential catalyst for peace. By cutting off U.S. support, Peskov argues, the conditions for peace may improve. Retired General Andrei Kartapolov projected that Ukraine could deplete its ammunition stores in a few months if the halt continued, advocating for continued Russian pressure and tactical strikes on Ukrainian depots.
Conversely, European allies such as the U.K. have reinforced their support for Ukraine. The British government reaffirmed its commitment to a lasting peace and voiced its concerns over Trump’s strategies, which could potentially lead to Ukrainian concessions to Russia.
Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, suggested Trump’s move might encourage Russia to demand terms like demilitarization. He indicated Trump’s actions were motivated by the belief that Russia could negotiate peace and that Ukraine was the obstruction, even though no credible evidence supported this claim.
Despite the unfolding scenario, Trump remains interested in an agreement that would allow the U.S. a stake in Ukraine’s mineral resources, with Zelenskyy expressing a willingness to consider the proposal. Ukrainian advocacy groups, like Razom for Ukraine, condemned the halt of military aid, urging the U.S. to resume support and leverage pressure on Russia to cease its aggression.
