Description: US President Donald Trump has announced the reversal of the previous decision to halt weapons supplies to Ukraine. He stated that, after the conversation with Putin, he gathered no indications that Russia is willing to engage in diplomatically resolving the war. US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth announced last week that the US Department of Defense would stop further weapons supplies due to shortages in stockpiles. Trump’s decision arrives as Ukraine is facing unprecedented aerial bombardments over the past few weeks and significant Russian ground advances in its border regions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that besides support from the US, his administration would also work in ensuring joint development programs with Ukraine’s EU partners.
Impact: Trump’s decision reversal indicates the war in Ukraine would continue indefinitely, as no stipulations existed that Russia was willing to engage with Ukraine diplomatically. The continued US supply of weapons to Ukraine considerably strengthens the latter’s defensive capabilities as they would have access to advanced air defense systems which have proven to be effective in countering Russian drones and ballistic missiles. Ukraine would be able to effectively neutralize the aerial threat and focus its strategic and tactical potential in resisting Russia’s ground advances and planned summer offensive. Russia reinforced the public narrative with restating its maximalist demands and gave no indications of any forms of negotiations. The long – term resolution to the war remains elusive, as the US attempts of imposed diplomacy faced Russia’s resistance and reluctance to cease its war in Ukraine.