Ukraine Suspends Arms Aid from the US

KYIV, Best for you– The Ukrainian government expressed deep concern over the United States' (US) decision to temporarily suspen...

KYIV, Best for you– The Ukrainian government expressed deep concern over the United States' (US) decision to temporarily suspend the delivery of weapons.

Kyiv warned that this suspension could encourage Russia to extend the war, which has now entered its fourth year since the large-scale invasion began in February 2022.

"Every delay will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terrorism, not seek peace," said the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (7/2/2025), as quoted from BBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that he is still maintaining active communication with Washington to "clarify all details regarding supplies."

However, the White House decision was announced earlier on Tuesday, where some weapons deliveries to Ukraine were temporarily halted after an internal review by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Kyiv requests an explanation, Moscow welcomes it

Meanwhile, an American diplomat based in Kyiv was summoned by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the decision. On the other hand, Russia welcomed the U.S. move with joy.

"the fewer weapons sent to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

However, Ukraine reminds that the path to peace can only be achieved through joint and sustained pressure on Moscow.

Patriot, Stinger, and Hellfire missile systems are detained

According to a Wall Street Journal report and Pentagon confirmation, the halted arms deliveries included more than two dozen PAC-3 Patriot missiles, Stinger air defense systems, Hellfire missiles, as well as more than 90 AIM missiles designed for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

All the weapons are actually already in Poland and ready to be sent to Ukraine.

"Apa yang kami lihat ini sebagai langkah pragmatis dan masuk akal untuk meninjau kembali apa yang dikirim dan ke mana," said Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell.

Nevertheless, this decision has drawn criticism in Washington. Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick called it something unacceptable.

Senator Democrat Richard Blumenthal called this policy "misleading and perhaps even insincere."

Ukraine: We are very dependent on US aid

A Ukrainian military official quoted AFP Admit that Kyiv "is very dependent on weapons supplies from the US."

"Europe is indeed trying hard, but it will be very difficult for us without American ammunition," he said.

The ongoing war continues to make Ukraine face air attacks every night.

The position of the US and Europe in long-term support

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized that this decision was made "to prioritize American interests" after a review of global military aid strategy.

"The military power of America remains undeniable - ask Iran," he said.

Meanwhile, Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, stated that the Pentagon continues to provide "strong options" for President Trump to continue military aid to Ukraine.

Nevertheless, it is said that the approach is now "being reviewed and adjusted" according to the national defense priorities of the United States.

Soon before this suspension was announced, President Trump met with Zelensky at the NATO summit in the Netherlands.

She said they are still considering the possibility of sending additional Patriot systems to Ukraine. "We did have some disagreements, but he (Zelensky) is very friendly," said Trump.

Although European countries have poured billions of dollars in military aid, not all leaders have promised long-term support.

Czech President Petr Pavel, who is known as a strong supporter of Ukraine, said to BBC Russia that he "cannot guarantee" the continuation of ammunition support because the results of the upcoming election could influence the policy of the new government.

"Saya tidak tahu apa prioritas pemerintahan berikutnya," kata Pavel.