US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied reports that the United States has halted military aid to Ukraine, clarifying that weapons shipments were only temporarily paused for a limited review of specific munitions stockpiles following U.S. strikes in the Middle East. The pause, according to Rubio, was not a suspension of aid but a brief interruption to assess stockpiles, ensuring that U.S. arms supplies remained sufficient for other global obligations. The decision to halt certain deliveries was reportedly made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is known for his skepticism toward continuing arms support for Ukraine, without prior consultation with allies or lawmakers. This unilateral action raised concerns across Europe and drew criticism from Ukrainian officials, who argued that the pause could undermine defense efforts on the frontlines.
Rubio emphasized that the overwhelming majority of U.S. military aid to Ukraine has not been paused and continues according to established schedules. He stated that the review process was “very limited” and focused on a handful of specific types of munitions, which were temporarily placed on hold. “That decision unfortunately was mischaracterized,” Rubio said in a press conference, “it was a pause pending review on a handful of specific type munitions.” This clarification comes amid growing pressure on the Trump administration to reassess its approach to Ukraine, particularly in light of the recent shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia. Meanwhile, Axios reported that President Donald Trump had promised to send ten Patriot interceptors to Ukraine, despite the high costs associated with these systems. Each Patriot interceptor is estimated to cost around $4 million, and Ukraine typically requires at least two to intercept a single target. This pledge reflects a broader debate within the Trump administration about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of continued military support for Kyiv.
The current pause marks the third time that arms shipments to Ukraine have been delayed since Trump assumed office, underscoring the administration’s inconsistent stance on military aid to Kiev. While Trump has publicly stated that support for Ukraine will continue, he has also acknowledged that Patriot systems are “very rare” and “very expensive,” suggesting a more cautious approach as the war enters its second year. Meanwhile, Russian officials have pointed to the continued U.S. military support as an obstacle to diplomatic progress, arguing that Western arms have only prolonged the conflict without altering its course. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the conflicting statements from the Trump administration are not encouraging peace talks and noted that a complete halt in arms deliveries would bring the conflict closer to resolution. These remarks highlight the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine, with Russia and the United States at odds over the role of military aid in ending the war.