July 2, 2025: The Trump administration has paused shipments of key air defense missiles and munitions to Ukraine, a move tied to an ongoing review of military aid spending and foreign assistance, a senior White House official told CNN.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly authorized the review, which has been in the works for months. While it remains unclear if other countries will be affected, this halt comes at a critical time for Ukraine.
Also Read: Did a Viral Audio Clip Just Seal Sheikh Hasina’s Fate?
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that the pause was made “to put America’s interests first.”
The suspension follows an urgent appeal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for additional air defense support as Russia ramps up its aerial attacks. Ukraine has faced nightly barrages involving drones and missiles, including a recent incident where an F-16 fighter jet pilot was killed during a Russian assault.
Zelensky has expressed Ukraine’s willingness to purchase American air defense systems, particularly the Patriot missile systems, considered among the most advanced globally in countering hypersonic and ballistic threats.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest military aid provider. However, the dynamics shifted after Trump returned to office. In April, for the first time, European countries surpassed the U.S. in total aid provided to Ukraine, contributing €72 billion compared to the U.S.’s €65 billion, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
The most recent pause in aid follows a tense Oval Office exchange between Trump and Zelensky in March, after which military support was temporarily suspended and later resumed.
At the recent NATO summit in The Hague, Trump hinted at the possibility of resuming Patriot system deliveries to Ukraine, suggesting a potential change in his administration’s stance.
Kyiv currently operates around six U.S.-made Patriot systems, which are vital in shielding its cities from Russian missile attacks. However, without continued missile supplies, Ukraine risks a critical shortage.