NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed deep concern regarding the U.S. halt in arms shipments to Ukraine, urging Washington to sustain its military support for Kyiv despite the challenges in balancing national defense priorities. Rutte emphasized that Ukraine cannot afford to lose the continuous flow of advanced weaponry necessary to withstand the intensifying Russian attacks, particularly given the recent surge in drone and missile strikes. His comments reflect the broader geopolitical tensions as the U.S. reassesses its military stockpiles, with no new aid packages approved since Donald Trump’s inauguration last January.
The U.S. Defense Department’s decision to pause deliveries of key systems—including Patriot missiles, precision-guided artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, and munitions compatible with F-16 fighter jets—has raised questions about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine. While the White House confirmed that the pause is part of a broader reassessment of U.S. military stockpiles, it has not yet announced any new aid packages. This decision has led to diplomatic outreach from Ukraine, which has not been formally notified of the delay and is seeking urgent consultations with U.S. defense officials.
Rutte’s remarks highlight the growing strain on international partnerships, as Europe steps up to fill the gap left by the U.S. delay. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has welcomed the pause, suggesting that it brings the war closer to an end. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “The fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war).” This stance underscores the ongoing strategic calculus between the major powers involved in the conflict.
The situation has also led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Kyiv warning that any hesitation in maintaining its defense capabilities would embolden Russia. During recent discussions at the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump and President Zelensky met behind closed doors to address the issue of air defense systems, indicating that the U.S. is rethinking its long-term support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces one of its most severe periods of Russian aggression, with reports of record drone and missile strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion.