US pauses weapons shipments to Ukraine as Russia ramps up attacks

The Pentagon halted shipments of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine on Tuesday, July 1, under orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to NBC News. Officials claim the move stems from concerns about remaining U.S. stockpiles.

Hegseth ordered a formal review of U.S. munitions levels weeks ago as the Pentagon faces increasing strain from ongoing military aid to Ukraine, Israel and operations in the Middle East, according to four government officials.

Which weapons will the Pentagon hold back?

The shipments paused include dozens of Patriot interceptors, thousands of munitions, hundreds of precision-guided missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles, grenade launchers and other advanced equipment previously pledged to Ukraine.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the move: “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

Kyiv summons US diplomat over suspension 

Ukraine reacted swiftly. The country’s foreign ministry summoned John Ginkel, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, to meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Andri Sybhia.

“The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace,” a statement from the foreign ministry read. “Strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and increasing coordinated transatlantic pressure on the aggressor are critically important” to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ministry added.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov welcomed the decision, saying, “The fewer weapons supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the [war] is.”

Peace talks at a standstill

Despite signs of military fatigue, U.S.-led peace negotiations remain at a standstill. Since the Trump administration began pulling back support, it left European nations to shoulder more of the burden of assisting Kyiv.

The pause in weapons shipments comes at a crucial moment. Moscow has escalated its push to seize more territory as Ukraine’s defense remains stretched thin by waves of Russian missile and drone strikes. 

The U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest weapons supplier since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. However, since Trump returned to office, no new U.S. military assistance packages have been announced. Data from the Kiel Institute in Germany shows the U.S. provided no new aid between March and April 2025.

Analysts warn of battlefield disadvantage

Experts say Ukraine will now lose access to some of its most advanced U.S.-made systems, including Patriot missile defense. While European allies may fill some gaps, not all American systems have viable replacements, especially in the short term. 

Macron calls Putin

French President Emmanuel Macron held a two-hour call Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin – their first direct contact in nearly three years. Macron reiterated France’s “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and urged a ceasefire agreement.

Ukraine to ramp up weapons production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to accelerate domestic weapons manufacturing. 

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said legislation enabling joint production with international partners is expected to pass later this month, laying the groundwork for new defense facilities in Ukraine and abroad.