Trump Signals Continued U.S. Military Support for Ukraine Amid Arms Shipment Review

U.S. Signals Willingness to Resume Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Complex Diplomatic Moves

In a series of high-stakes conversations last week, former President Donald Trump made it clear that the United States isn’t stepping away from supporting Ukraine’s military efforts—despite a temporary hold on weapons shipments that surprised many in Washington and Kyiv.

Here’s the gist:

• Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the U.S. isn’t responsible for the pause in sending weapons.

• He emphasized the need to keep sending arms so Ukraine can defend itself.

• Meanwhile, Pentagon officials are reviewing U.S. munitions stockpiles, delaying shipments.

• The White House is actively discussing the best way forward with military aid.

• Russia’s recent large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s cities underscore the urgent need for defense.

Trump’s Message to Zelensky: “We’ve Got to Send More Weapons”

During a Monday night meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was blunt: “We have to, they have to be able to defend themselves,” he said, referring to Ukraine. “They’re getting hit very hard. Now they’re getting hit very hard. We’re gonna have to send more weapons.”

This was a clear indication that despite the ongoing review, Trump recognizes Ukraine’s desperate need for continued military aid.

Earlier, in a Friday phone call with Zelensky, Trump reportedly assured him that he hadn’t ordered a freeze on arms shipments. Instead, he said he directed a review of Pentagon stockpiles following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last month. Those strikes had raised concerns about the availability of some munitions, prompting a careful inventory.

What’s Behind the Freeze on Weapons Shipments?

Last Tuesday, news broke that shipments of critical weaponry to Ukraine were temporarily halted. This move shocked many parts of the U.S. government—from the State Department to members of Congress—and of course, Kyiv itself.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Monday that the review was initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when he took office. The goal? “To ensure that everything that is going out the door aligns with America’s interests,” she said during a press briefing.

The Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described this process as a “capability review,” explaining that the Department of Defense is analyzing which munitions are being sent and where, providing a framework for decision-making by the president and defense secretary.

General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has completed an assessment of the frozen aid and is preparing recommendations on whether to resume shipments.

What’s on Hold?

The stalled shipments include a range of high-tech and desperately needed weapons:

• Patriot antimissile interceptors

• AIM-120 antiaircraft missiles

• Howitzer rounds

• AGM-114 Hellfire missiles

• GMLRS missiles for Himars rocket launchers

• Stinger antitank missiles

• Grenade launchers

Among these, the Patriot antimissile interceptors stand out. Ukraine’s leaders have repeatedly praised the Patriots for their ability to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles—a game-changer in the ongoing conflict.

“They do want to have the antimissile missiles, as they call the Patriots, and we’re going to see if we can make some available,” Trump said last month. “They are very hard to get, we need them, too.”

The Bigger Picture: A $66.9 Billion Commitment Since 2022

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has poured $66.9 billion into military aid, according to a State Department fact sheet from March 2025. This massive commitment includes a mix of lethal and non-lethal support, training, and humanitarian assistance.

The review of munitions comes as the U.S. military faces its own supply challenges. Just last month, American troops successfully defended Al Udeid Air Base from an Iranian missile attack, using a record number of Patriot interceptors in what General Caine described as the largest salvo of such missiles in history.

Diplomatic Drama: Trump, Putin, and Zelensky

The backdrop of these developments includes a tangled web of diplomacy. Trump told reporters last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the “more difficult” partner when it comes to negotiating peace.

In a separate phone call Thursday with Putin, Trump urged the Russian leader to end the war. Putin refused, according to Kremlin sources. The next day, Russia unleashed its largest drone and missile barrage yet on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Reflecting on this, Trump expressed disappointment. “I’m disappointed, frankly, that President Putin hasn’t stopped,” he said during the Monday night meeting with Netanyahu.

Zelensky’s Take: A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian President Zelensky hinted at some optimism following his recent call with Trump.

“This was probably the best conversation in all this time, it was maximally productive,” Zelensky said in a July 5 evening address. “I am grateful for the readiness to help.”

His words suggest that while there are bumps in the road, the relationship between Washington and Kyiv remains intact and focused on supporting Ukraine’s defense.

What’s Next?

The White House National Security Council is set to meet to figure out the path forward on weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Meanwhile, General Caine’s recommendations and Pentagon assessments will heavily influence any decisions on resuming shipments.

With Russia’s missile attacks intensifying, and Ukraine’s need for antimissile systems growing, the pressure to move quickly is palpable.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. isn’t abandoning Ukraine but is reviewing military aid to balance America’s interests and capabilities.

• Patriot antimissile systems are a top priority for Ukraine’s defense.

• The Pentagon’s review is about ensuring a sustainable and strategic flow of weapons.

• Diplomatic talks remain tense but ongoing, with mixed signals from Trump, Putin, and Zelensky.

• The White House and Pentagon are actively working on solutions to resume and possibly increase aid.

This evolving story highlights the delicate balance between supporting a crucial ally and managing U.S. defense resources amid global challenges. As events unfold, all eyes remain on Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow, watching how diplomacy and military strategy will shape the next chapters in this high-stakes conflict.