The United States has paused military aid to Ukraine, a move that has sent shockwaves through Kyiv and drawn praise from Moscow.
The decision comes as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declares that Europe is in an “era of rearmament” and must take greater responsibility for its own defense.
Russia has welcomed the US decision, with officials suggesting it could pressure Ukraine into peace talks. “This move could really push the Kyiv regime to a peace process,” a Kremlin spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expressed deep concern, viewing the suspension as a critical blow to its war effort against Russia.
The US has been Ukraine’s largest military supporter since the war began, providing billions in aid and advanced weaponry. The sudden halt raises pressing questions about whether European nations can step in to fill the void. BBC Verify has analyzed the numbers, assessing Europe’s ability to sustain Ukraine’s military needs without direct American support.
For Ukraine, this decision represents more than just a financial loss it threatens a vital lifeline keeping its defense forces operational. James Waterhouse, the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent, describes the aid suspension as “the blocking of a major artery keeping Ukraine alive.” Ukrainian officials have called on European allies to accelerate their assistance in response.
In Washington, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the Biden administration remains open to discussions but insisted that Ukraine must be willing to negotiate. “The door is open for Ukraine to return to the table if Zelensky is willing to seriously talk peace,” Vance said. His remarks echo growing divisions within US politics over continued support for Kyiv.
The European Union, for its part, has signaled a willingness to take on a larger role in Ukraine’s defense. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for European nations to strengthen their military capabilities, suggesting that the continent can no longer rely solely on American backing. However, questions remain about whether Europe has the resources and political unity to sustain Ukraine’s war effort in the long term.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of the US decision will be closely watched worldwide. If Europe fails to compensate for the lost American support, Ukraine could find itself in a significantly weakened position against Russian forces. Conversely, if Europe successfully steps up, this could mark a major shift in global defense dynamics.
For now, Ukraine remains defiant, vowing to continue its fight. But without immediate guarantees of sustained military aid, Kyiv faces an uncertain future one that may ultimately force it back to the negotiating table, whether willingly or not.
