‘Painful Not Fatal’ Say Ukrainians of US Weapons Halt

The United States paused military aid to Ukraine this week, a decision that sparked outrage and anxiety in Kyiv and raised concerns over the country’s ability to resist Russian advances, the BBC reported.

On Monday, the White House announced that it was “pausing and reviewing” its military assistance to Ukraine, stating that support must contribute to a broader diplomatic resolution.

The move came three days after a contentious Oval Office meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump pressured Kyiv to accept a ceasefire without security guarantees.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian officials reacted with shock, calling the suspension a “dangerous” development with immediate battlefield consequences. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, warned on Tuesday that “serious consequences” would become evident “in the coming days.” Ukrainian lawmakers have described the decision as a “catastrophe” and “a painful blow” to their country’s efforts to defend themselves against Russian aggression.

A senior Ukrainian official told Politico that while the pause is “not fatal,” it will result in “unnecessary deaths and lost territories.”

European allies have also expressed concern, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirming that US weapons shipments via Poland had stopped.

French officials warned that the pause strengthens Russia’s hand. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasizing that the UK remains committed to bringing the US “back to the table.”

Ukraine has relied heavily on American aid, receiving approximately $65.9 billion in military support over the past three years, according to the Financial Times.

Military analysts said that US military hardware, while now comprising only 20 percent of Ukraine’s total supply, includes some of its most advanced and effective weaponry. They cautioned that the lack of American aid will be felt most in Ukraine’s ability to conduct precision strikes and defend against air assaults.

Ukrainian intelligence officials expressed concern the country could continue fighting with existing US supplies for only “two or three months,” FT noted.

While European nations have increased military contributions, they remain unable to fully replace US supplies, particularly in advanced weaponry and intelligence sharing.

The suspension of US support raises questions about the war’s trajectory. With Russia reportedly preparing a large-scale drone assault and Ukrainian forces stretched thin, observers cautioned that the coming months could see a shift in battlefield momentum unless alternative sources of support are secured.