Ukrainians have expressed their shock and dismay at the US decision to pause its military aid to the country, with one politician calling it a “dangerous” situation. According to Oleksandr Merezhko, who chairs the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, the pause could lead to serious and dangerous consequences in the coming days.

The news of the US “pausing and reviewing” its military aid came as a surprise to Ukraine on Tuesday. A White House official stated that the reason behind this decision was to ensure that the aid contributes to a solution. The official also added that the President is focused on achieving peace and expects partners to be committed to the same goal.

While US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have not commented, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that his country is still willing to cooperate with the US and expressed gratitude for their support so far. However, some Ukrainian MPs have called the decision “disastrous,” arguing that it looks like the US is siding with Russia.

Merezhko also highlighted the Oval Office spat between Zelensky and the US president and vice-president, suggesting that it was an attempt to find justification to stop the military aid. US Vice-President JD Vance denied accusations that Trump is on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s side, emphasizing that Trump is negotiating with Russia and practicing diplomacy.

The pause in military aid is seen as a blocking of a major lifeline for Ukraine. The last time a pause occurred, due to political disagreements in the US Congress, Zelensky stated that Ukraine directly lost lives and land as a result. The impact on Ukraine’s ability to receive ammunition for American weapons and share intelligence with Kyiv remains unclear.

Ukrainian advocacy groups and bloggers have strongly criticized the decision, with one comparing it to Roosevelt and Churchill turning in their graves. European allies of Ukraine, such as the UK and France, have also expressed concern, with French Europe minister Benjamin Haddad stating that the pause makes peace a more remote idea. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of a sovereign and pro-Western Ukraine for his country’s strength and safety.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwydq82e7r1o