**US Reviewing Military Aid to Ukraine, But Assistance Continues**
The US has not stopped supplying weapons and support to Ukraine, despite reports of a halt in shipments. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made this clarification on July 4, saying that the US has only reviewed its decision to supply specific components. This review is significant but different from a complete disengagement from supporting Ukraine.
**Trump Denies Pause in Weapons Shipments**
US President Donald Trump also denied any pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine on July 3. However, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed earlier that some military assistance had been halted due to a review of foreign aid deliveries by the US Defense Department. This review has reportedly held back various military equipment and supplies, including Patriot air defense missiles, Stinger systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, drones, and AIM air-to-air missiles.
**Concerns Over Ukraine’s Military Needs**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concerns about Ukraine’s urgent need for sustained support. He acknowledged the US need to safeguard its own defense capabilities but emphasized that Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get in the short term. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers also voiced opposition to the decision to halt military aid shipments to Ukraine.
**US Lawmakers Speak Out Against Pause**
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed their concerns about the pause in military aid shipments. Fitzpatrick stated that building up the US Defense Industrial Base while providing assistance to allies is crucial, while Blumenthal described the pause as “fallacious and maybe even disingenuous.”
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
