US Effectively Ends Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Shift

The Trump administration is significantly reducing direct military aid to Ukraine, marking a clear shift in U.S. policy toward viewing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as primarily a European issue. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. now favors a negotiated settlement over continued military support, effectively ending regular supplies of critical weapons like Patriot air defense systems and artillery, which Ukraine heavily relies on. With U.S. aid decreasing by nearly 40% in 2025 and planned cuts for 2026, Ukraine faces the challenge of relying more on European support, which has been inconsistent, or significantly ramping up its domestic arms production, now covering half of its military needs. The shift coincides with rising concerns in Kyiv about the diversion of U.S. military resources to address escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, which further threatens the continuity of aid. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed worries about Europe's wavering commitment and urged the U.S. to adopt a stronger stance toward Russia rather than a conciliatory approach, as Trump’s administration has engaged in more direct dialogue with Moscow. This realignment of U.S. priorities leaves Ukraine increasingly isolated at a critical moment in the conflict, with uncertain prospects for sustained Western military support.