U.S. pauses arms shipments as Russia intensifies attacks
President Donald Trump spoke for nearly an hour with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, according to a Kremlin official cited by NBC News. The conversation focused in part on the ongoing war in Ukraine, just days after the United States announced a pause in weapons shipments to Kyiv.
The Kremlin stated that Trump proposed an “immediate ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine. In response, Putin emphasized Russia’s intent to pursue a “political resolution through negotiations” but made clear that the Kremlin would not abandon its stated military objectives. These include addressing what Russia claims are the “root causes” of the conflict.
The U.S. decision to suspend arms deliveries came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a stockpile review. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the pause is part of a broader strategy to preserve U.S. military readiness while supporting Trump’s “America First” defense priorities.
Concerns over U.S. commitment to Ukraine aid
The freeze on munitions shipments has sparked criticism among some former Trump administration officials. Mike Pompeo, Trump’s former Secretary of State, posted on X: “Letting Russia win this war would be an unmitigated disaster for the American people and our security around the world.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that any delays in military aid would only embolden Russia. In June alone, Sybiha said, Russia launched over 5,000 drones and nearly 80 ballistic missiles in a renewed wave of attacks across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized ongoing talks with Washington to secure air defense systems and other critical weapons.
Pentagon defends decision amid rising pressure
Pentagon officials defended the suspension as part of a strategic reassessment. “This capability review… is a common-sense, pragmatic step,” said Parnell. He added that future aid decisions will be guided by this framework, aiming to balance U.S. defense needs with its commitment to Ukraine.
Despite the Kremlin’s portrayal of the Trump-Putin call as a step toward diplomacy, critics worry that reduced U.S. aid may undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and shift the balance in Russia’s favor.
