US Halts Funding for New Arms Sales to Ukraine, Sources Say
The Washington Post reported, citing anonymous sources, that the US has halted the financing of new arms sales to Ukraine. Already delivered weapons, which are stored in Poland for onward delivery, will also be held back. Reuters also reported the temporary stop of US aid to Kiev, citing an anonymous White House employee.
According to the New York Times, the decision takes effect immediately and affects weapons and ammunition worth over $1 billion that are in the pipeline or have been ordered.
The article from the Washington Post, published on Monday, begins with the following quote: “President Donald Trump has decided to stop all future deliveries of US military aid to Ukraine. That’s to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, said two US officials familiar with the matter.”
Trump had previously suspended all planned US foreign aid, including military aid, except for that to Israel and Egypt, until a final review. Axios reported that Trump would hold a meeting on the Ukraine conflict later in the day, during which the possible suspension of US military aid would be discussed. The meeting would be attended by Vice President J.D. Vance, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and several other high-ranking officials.
The Washington Post reported that Trump would hold a meeting to discuss “whether to stop the military support for Ukraine.” A high-ranking anonymous US official was quoted as saying, “The President has made it clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners who are also committed to that goal.”
The article also stated that, according to sources in Washington, the halt of military aid to Ukraine would also include the suspension of the information exchange and the training of Ukrainian troops and pilots.
The Wall Street Journal reminded readers that the “last major weapons package for Ukraine was wrapped up on December 30 during the Biden administration” (paywall). This package included “some modern weapons like air defense system ammunition, Stinger missiles and other weapons” and was worth $1.22 billion.