Ukraine summons US diplomat as Washington halts military aid shipments

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to media during a press briefing after his phone talks with the US president, in Kyiv, on May 19, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Ukraine's foreign ministry summoned a senior U.S. diplomat Wednesday to express concerns over the White House's decision to halt weapons shipments, warning that delays in military assistance would embolden Russian forces.

John Ginkel, deputy chief of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, was called to the Ukrainian foreign ministry following Tuesday's announcement that Washington would suspend some key weapons deliveries promised by the previous administration. The move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the conflict that has raged for more than three years.

"The Ukrainian side stressed that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue the war," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Critical weapons systems among items being withheld

The timing proves particularly challenging for Ukraine, which faces intensifying Russian bombardment and has been losing territory to Moscow's advancing forces. American media reports indicate that Patriot air defense systems and artillery are among the weapons being withheld—equipment Ukrainian officials describe as critical to their defense efforts.

Kremlin welcomes reduction in weapons deliveries

Moscow quickly praised the U.S. decision, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters that reducing weapons flows to Ukraine would accelerate an end to what Russia calls its "special military operation."

"In any case, the fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation," Peskov said in response to questions from AFP.

Ukraine acknowledges heavy dependence on American military support

The aid suspension comes as Ukraine acknowledges its heavy reliance on American military support. A high-ranking Ukrainian military source told AFP that defending against Russian attacks would prove difficult without continued U.S. ammunition supplies.

"We are now seriously dependent on American arms supplies, although Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition," the source said.

The policy change represents a notable departure from the previous administration's approach to supporting Ukraine's resistance against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.