The Trump administration’s decision to temporarily suspend delivery of all military assistance to Ukraine has sent shockwaves through Europe, even as details about the move remain scarce. This decision affects over $1 billion in arms and ammunition in the pipeline and on order, making real a fear Ukraine has had since President Trump’s re-election.
Why is the U.S. suspending aid?
In the run-up to Mr. Trump’s inauguration, the Biden administration rushed to deliver as much support to Ukraine as it could, out of concern that Mr. Trump would cut military assistance. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has been working furiously to shore up European support.
Mr. Trump’s overtures toward Russia since he took office have aggravated concerns. This culminated in an explosive confrontation in the Oval Office on Friday between the U.S. leader and Mr. Zelensky. Mr. Trump chastised the Ukrainian president for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support in the war with Russia.
The decision to suspend aid came out of meetings at the White House on Monday between Mr. Trump and his senior national security aides, according to senior administration and military officials. It appears aimed at forcing Mr. Zelensky to agree to a cease-fire on terms Mr. Trump dictates, or condemns the country to larger battlefield losses.
Has this ever happened before?
This move has few direct precedents in recent American history. The United States has paused the transfer of specific weapons systems to allies and partners. But a full cutoff is unusual and essentially an ultimatum. It’s also not the first time Mr. Trump has blocked aid to Ukraine. During his first term, he pushed Mr. Zelensky to help tarnish Mr. Biden when he was the leading Democratic candidate for president. He withheld military aid to Ukraine at the same time, releasing it only after pressure from advisers and Republican senators. This led to Mr. Trump’s first impeachment.
How much aid has Ukraine received from the U.S.?
Ukraine has depended heavily on arms from the United States since the day after Russian troops crossed the border. The Pentagon has sent 71 shipments of military aid from existing stockpiles worth $33.8 billion. The United States has also provided about $67 billion of military spending, according to a frequently used tracker.
Ukraine also depends on the United States for Patriot air-defense missiles and advanced weapons. However, Ukraine’s reliance on American ammunition, howitzers, and armored vehicles has lessened as its own arms production has increased.
What will the impact be?
Mr. Zelensky has said that losing U.S. military assistance would be a devastating blow but that Ukrainian forces would keep fighting. European leaders have pledged to continue their support and further aid for Ukraine. Through its own weapons production and arms deliveries from Europe, Ukraine could withstand a U.S. shutdown for some weeks or even months.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/world/europe/trump-ukraine-aid.html
