**US Lawmakers Speak Out Against Trump Administration’s Decision to Halt Air Defense Shipments to Ukraine**
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has come out strongly against the Trump administration’s decision to halt shipments of air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv. The move has been met with concern from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that it undermines Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.
**The Decision**
According to reports, the US Defense Department (DOD) conducted a review of its munitions stocks and decided to pause aid deliveries due to dwindling levels of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and precision munitions. The decision affects over two dozen Patriot air defense missiles, Stinger air-defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, drones, and more than 90 AIM air-to-air missiles that Ukraine launches from F-16 fighter jets.
**Reaction from Lawmakers**
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, called the decision “unacceptable” and vowed to aggressively look into the matter, demanding accountability. He noted that it’s essential to build up the US Defense Industrial Base while providing needed assistance to allies like Ukraine. Fitzpatrick requested an emergency briefing from the White House and DOD on the shipments.
Another Republican, Rep. Michael McCaul, said he is examining whether the Pentagon’s freeze breaches legislation on aid to Ukraine passed in 2024. He stated that the decision comes at a wrong time, as it undermines leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a ceasefire.
**Democrats Speak Out**
Democratic lawmakers have also lambasted the real-world implications of halting military aid to Ukraine. Since his inauguration in January, Trump has not approved any additional military aid packages for Ukraine. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced recently that the US will reduce the total aid it sends to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget.
In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian and US officials are working through the aid issue at a “working level,” including discussions on critical air defense support. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated it has not received any formal notification of delays or cancellations but has requested urgent consultations with US defense officials.
**International Reaction**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed understanding of Washington’s desire to safeguard its stockpiles but emphasized that Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that the fewer weapons supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the war.
The kyivindependent.com reports on this story: **US Lawmakers Speak Out Against Trump Administration’s Decision to Halt Air Defense Shipments to Ukraine**
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
