"Even the US military has no weapons available," Trump wants to let Ukraine go

Missile aid program suddenly interrupted

With the sudden halt of major weapon supplies from the United States to Ukraine, the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase. As the Trump administration, which advocates "America First," stopped providing air defense weapons and heavy weapons that the previous Biden administration had promised, Ukraine's isolated situation is intensifying.

The US Department of Defense announced on the 2nd of this month that it would suspend part of the weapons aid program to Ukraine, citing concerns about the reduction of US military weapons inventory. The suspended items include more than 30 Patriot missiles used to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and serve as the core of air defense, over 8,500 155mm shells, more than 250 precision-guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS), and 142 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. Mid-range air-to-air missiles (AIM-7), short-range surface-to-air missiles (Stinger), and AT-4 grenade launchers were also excluded from the support list.

Highly dependent on US weapons to resist Russian offensives, Ukraine has suffered significant setbacks. In a video address, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy emphasized, "We are negotiating with the US. Whatever the way, we must protect the safety of our people." It is reported that Ukraine was not informed in advance by the US about the interruption of aid. Reuters analyzed that "in the context of Russia gradually expanding its occupied areas in eastern Ukraine, if the US reduces aid, the situation may deteriorate within a few months."

American strategic focus is increasingly moving away from Ukraine. In fact, in recent weeks, Trump has been deeply involved in conflicts in the Middle East, seemingly no longer placing Ukraine at the center of its foreign and security strategy. Trump demonstrated a "peace based on force" by bombing Iranian nuclear facilities, guiding Israel and Iran to a ceasefire, and showing the world. In the war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza, he alternately pressured both sides to achieve a ceasefire agreement, establishing an image of a "peace mediator." Some analysts believe that Trump is focusing on ending the Middle East conflict to win his long-sought Nobel Peace Prize.

In contrast, he rarely mentioned political information about Ukraine. Before taking office, Trump openly stated that he would end the Ukraine war within 24 hours, but when asked about it last month, he said, "It was a satire. The situation is not simple." The New York Times said, "The US, which originally stated that it would provide as much support and weapons as Ukraine needed, has long cooled down its enthusiasm for Ukraine."

Zelenskyy was treated almost insultingly during his summit with Trump in February this year, after which he accepted requirements such as signing a mineral agreement with the US, but even the weapons aid already promised could not be obtained. The content of the mineral agreement involves sharing the revenue from the development of core resources in Ukraine, including rare earths. Trump has viewed military aid as an investment and has always demanded open doors for "recouping investment costs."

In this situation, Russia is intensifying its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, expanding the front lines. In the Donetsk region in the east, Russian forces have deployed more than 110,000 troops and launched dozens of attacks daily. In contrast, the Ukrainian army, which is at a disadvantage in terms of manpower and weapons, is on the defensive and is caught in a tough battle. CNN in the US reported that North Korea may send up to 30,000 troops to the frontline in Ukraine in the coming months, according to Russia's request.

Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on the 3rd: "We are closely monitoring the situation (about the US stopping aid). The fewer missiles entering Ukraine from abroad, the closer the special military operation will be to its conclusion." "Special military operation" is Russia's justification for invading Ukraine. Analysts believe that this means Russia prefers to quickly suppress Ukraine, which lacks weapons, rather than engaging in ceasefire negotiations.

As the Trump administration suddenly reversed its policy, confusion among American allies is increasing. Political media Politico reported: "On the other side of the Atlantic (Europe), some question whether the US will permanently cancel military aid to Ukraine."

Sources: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836681260969984/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.