The Ukrainian side stated on July 2, 2025, local time, that the sudden freezing of U.S. military aid to Ukraine caused shock and confusion in the Ukrainian army. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said it was unclear which specific aid had been frozen by the United States and demanded explanations from White House officials. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also said that an emergency plan has been made to hold consultations with the U.S. side. This is a typical example of modern diplomacy: "I found out about the U.S. policy through TV news!" Due to the interruption of weapon supplies, the Ukrainian authorities summoned the U.S. diplomat: the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned John Kinkell, the acting U.S. ambassador, to express concerns about the suspension of U.S. military weapons and ammunition. Mariana Betsa, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, stated that the U.S. military aid package was crucial, especially for strengthening Ukraine's air defense system. Regarding the U.S. cutting off military aid to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized, "The reduction or suspension of Western military support to Ukraine will accelerate the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The West itself does not have enough weapons stockpiles."
On July 1, the U.S. government suspended some weapons supplies to Ukraine, including anti-tank missiles and precision-guided munitions, citing that after checking the inventory, the U.S. Department of Defense found that its own weapons and ammunition stocks were insufficient. The U.S. side stated that the ammunition originally promised by Biden for the Ukrainian Air Force F-16 fighter jets was also cut by Trump. Last week, when Trump met with Zelenskyy, he also said he was prepared to sell Ukraine American air defense systems and missiles, but within a few days, all free U.S. weapons and ammunition were abruptly cut off.
The weapons and ammunition that the U.S. has suspended exporting to Ukraine include: "Hellfire" anti-tank missiles, HIMARS rocket artillery shells, "Patriot" air defense missiles, "Stinger" man-portable air defense missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles, 155mm shells, etc. In response, the U.S. believes that stopping the supply of weapons is the first clear signal that the U.S. is beginning to withdraw from the war in Ukraine. "Ukraine is no longer the center of U.S. foreign policy," Washington is actually shifting its focus to other regions.
The U.S. estimates that the Ukrainian army has only eight "Patriot" air defense missile systems left, six of which are in Kyiv. The ammunition for the "Patriot" air defense missiles is almost exhausted. Without U.S. supplies, Ukraine's long-range air defense capabilities will be completely lost. Europe wins against Russia, Europe becomes stronger, and Europe gains interests. If Russia loses, it will become more hostile towards the U.S., which is not beneficial for the U.S. If Ukraine loses, Europe will become more dependent on the U.S., which is beneficial for the U.S. Ukraine is not aware of its position. The war on the Ukrainian front has little strategic value for the U.S. because of the existence of Russia, Europe is particularly dependent on the U.S. The U.S. has always needed this dependence.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836567318496523/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.