**US Resumes Arms Deliveries to Ukraine After Surprise Pause**
The Trump administration has resumed shipments of weapons to Ukraine, after a brief pause that left many in the country and beyond surprised. According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a halt on some ongoing deliveries last week, citing a review of U.S. stockpiles.
The move caught Ukraine, its European partners, and even the U.S. State Department off guard. CNN reported that Hegseth did not consult with the White House before making the decision, which only added to the confusion.
**What Happened During the Pause**
During the pause, shipments of important military equipment were delayed, including 30 Patriot air defense missiles, 8,500 artillery shells, 250 GMLRS rockets, and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. These are critical supplies that Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia’s intensified aerial onslaught.
**Why Was the Pause Ordered?**
While the Trump administration has not provided a clear explanation for the pause, it is believed to be related to a review of U.S. stockpiles. The move may have been an attempt to assess what military equipment can be delivered to Ukraine and when.
**What’s Happening Now**
In response to Russia’s largest aerial attack yet on July 9, which saw over 740 drones and missiles deployed against Ukraine, Kyiv has urged its Western partners to provide more air defenses. The U.S. State Department and White House have confirmed that a decision has been made to continue providing arms to Ukraine.
**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**
The resumption of arms deliveries is welcome news for Ukraine, which is facing an increasingly difficult situation on the battlefield. As Russia continues to launch mass strikes against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, the need for effective air defenses becomes more pressing by the day.
Martin Fornusek, a news editor at the Kyiv Independent, comments: “The pause in arms deliveries was a surprise to many, but it’s good to see that the U.S. administration has since resumed shipments. Ukraine needs all the help it can get right now.”
**What’s Next?**
In response to Kyiv’s request for more air defenses, including Patriot systems and interceptors, Trump confirmed that the U.S. administration is “going to have to take a look at it.” This indicates that discussions are ongoing, but no final decision has been made.
As Ukraine continues to face an increasingly dire situation on the battlefield, one thing is clear: the need for effective air defenses and military equipment cannot be overstated. The resumption of arms deliveries from the U.S. administration is a crucial step in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
