Pentagon's weapons pause to Ukraine could ‘encourage’ and ‘escalate’ Putin’s war ambitions: security experts
Share this @internewscast.com

The Pentagon’s choice to suspend the air defense systems it had previously promised to Ukraine was met with dire warnings from Washington-based security experts on Wednesday. They cautioned that this action might “encourage” and potentially “magnify” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war goals.

The decision was validated by Fox News on Tuesday night following an evaluation by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, indicating that the U.S. had critically low stockpiles of munitions.

Nonetheless, experts are raising concerns that this decision weakens both U.S. and Ukrainian bargaining power as President Donald Trump aims to negotiate a ceasefire agreement.

US halts some defensive aid to Ukraine.

A steelworker moves a 155 mm M795 artillery projectile during the manufacturing process at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, April 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

In June, Russian forces broke their previous record for the number of drones fired at Ukraine in a single month by levying more than 5,300 drones in a series of mass attacks — up from the previous record set in March when nearly 4,200 drones were launched. 

“Putin has launched an intensified aerial assault, targeting civilians in cities across Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles,” founder and FDD President Clifford May told Fox News Digital. “Cutting off or even slowing munitions to Ukraine now can only encourage Putin to continue and even escalate this offensive. 

“That cannot be what President Trump wants,” he added.

Ukraine echoed these concerns on Wednesday and called the U.S. chief diplomat in Kyiv to meet with Foreign Ministry officials. 

“The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace,” the ministry said following its meeting with John Ginkel, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s questions regarding the meeting.

Kyiv burns after drone and missile attacks.

Overnight, Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war started as fires burned in Kyiv on May 25, 2025. (Reuters/Gleb Garanich)

The attacks by Russia, which have increased in severity and frequency, have coincided with unsuccessful efforts to secure a ceasefire by the Trump administration, and come as Putin has also amassed some 50,000 troops along Ukraine’s northern border in what some fear could signal plans to launch another ground offensive. 

Special Envoy to Ukraine Gen. Keith Kellogg did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions over how the Pentagon’s order will impact the war and ceasefire attempts. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
4th of July fireworks: Non-residents must pay $8-10 fee to attend South Holland holiday display, village officials say

South Holland Charges $8-10 Admission Fee for Non-Residents to Attend 4th of July Fireworks Display, Officials Announce

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS) — Those planning to go to the South…

Meet the P.I. Moms: What Happened to Chris Butler’s Private Investigator Team?

Who were the members of the P.I. Moms? The P.I. Moms were…
House GOP set to vote on Trump's $4.5T tax cuts package

House Republicans Prepare to Vote on Trump’s $4.5 Trillion Tax Cut Plan

Democrats are unified in opposing the bill, which will become a significant…
Watch What Happens on the House Floor After Speaker Johnson Announces OBBB Passage

See What Unfolds on the House Floor Following Speaker Johnson’s Announcement of OBBB Approval

During C-SPAN’s broadcast, Johnson revealed the final vote count in the House,…
Rep. Eugene Vindman is 'furious' about US pause on weapons to Ukraine

Rep. Eugene Vindman ‘outraged’ by U.S. decision to halt arms to Ukraine

Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman said he is “furious” that the Pentagon has…
Oasis’ Manchester homecoming has locals fearing fan behavior — and they want a dress code

Locals Concerned Over Fan Conduct During Oasis’ Manchester Return, Suggest Dress Code

Concerned residents are calling for a ‘dress code’ and a ‘buffer zone’…
Exclusive: New 'Bachelor In Paradise' promo highlights couples and some drama! 

Exclusive: Fresh ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Teaser Reveals Romantic Pairings and a Bit of Drama!

We’re getting more hints as to what we can expect on season…
What to know about buying electric vehicles after the federal tax incentives end

Key Points to Consider When Purchasing Electric Cars After the Federal Tax Credits Expire

The massive tax and spending cut bill that Congress passed Thursday ends…
Venus Williams 'outraged' doctors dismissed her painful condition

Venus Williams ‘furious’ with doctors for ignoring her painful condition

The most painful battle of Venus Williams’ life wasn’t fought on the…
Lisa Henderson, struck by lightning, in interview.

19-Year-Old Girl Hit by Lightning While in Bed – Common Device Use Increased Her Risk

A TEEN girl has revealed how she was struck by lightning while…
House Republicans are pushing Trump's big bill to the brink of passage

Republicans in the House are close to passing a major bill backed by Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are set to vote on President Donald…
How Rhode Island finally pushed a partial assault weapons ban over the finish line

How Rhode Island Successfully Passed a Partial Ban on Assault Weapons

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — After over a decade of efforts, Rhode Island…