**US Weapons Shipment to Ukraine Halted, Then Resumed, Amid Confusion**
In a shocking move that has left many in the US government and international community stunned, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized a temporary halt to American weapons shipments to Ukraine earlier this month. The pause, which was reportedly influenced by a recommendation from Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, affected a package of key munitions including Patriot interceptor missiles, 155 mm artillery rounds, and Hellfire missiles.
According to CNN, the decision was made on July 2 without notifying the White House, leaving many officials caught off guard. When asked about the pause by a reporter on July 4, US President Donald Trump denied any suspension, saying “We haven’t (paused the shipments). We’re giving weapons.” However, it appears that Hegseth had indeed authorized the halt in shipments.
**The Move Was Not Consulted with Key Officials**
Hegseth’s decision was reportedly made without consulting Secretary of State Marco Rubio or US special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg. Both officials were said to have learned of the pause from media reports, sparking confusion and concern among national security officials, Congress, and US allies in Europe.
The decision was influenced by Colby’s proposal, which was approved by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg before Hegseth gave final signoff. Sources told CNN that Hegseth believed the move aligned with Trump’s “America First” priorities.
**Criticism from Congressional Leaders**
Congressional leaders have criticized Hegseth’s decision, with Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, saying “This justification is disingenuous.” His staff reviewed the Pentagon’s figures and found no emergency-level depletion of stockpiles. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce also addressed the confusion, saying the pause should not be interpreted as a shift in policy.
“We remain Ukraine’s biggest supporters. We care about those people. We care about making sure they have what they need,” Bruce said. She confirmed the resumption of arms deliveries and noted Trump’s “very strategic” call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
**The Resumption of Shipment**
According to CNN, Trump quickly reversed course upon learning of the pause, instructing Hegseth to resume at least part of the shipment, including Patriot missiles. In a call with Zelensky on July 4, the president reportedly downplayed his role in the delay.
Zelensky described the call as “the best conversation in all this time.” The resumption of shipments has been welcomed by Ukraine and its supporters, who have long relied on US support to counter Russian aggression.
**What Does This Mean?**
The sudden halt and subsequent resumption of US weapons shipments to Ukraine raises questions about the effectiveness of the US government’s decision-making process. It also highlights the importance of clear communication and consultation among officials in matters of national security.
In an interview with Kyiv Independent, Anna Fratsyvir, a news editor at the Kyiv Independent, said that “this move is not just about Ukraine or Russia, but about the credibility of US foreign policy and its ability to deliver on its commitments.”
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the US government must prioritize clear communication and consultation in matters of national security to prevent such confusion in the future.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
