Ukraine summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Kyiv, John Hinkel, on Wednesday (July 2, 2025), for explanations following the unexpected decision by Washington to suspend shipments of certain weapons systems and ammunition to Ukraine. The move has raised concerns within Ukrainian military circles, as Russia has intensified its bombing campaigns and drone attacks in recent months.
The U.S. government announced the halt without prior notice on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), citing ‘concerns’ over dwindling American stockpiles. According to reports, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense stated it had not been officially informed of the decision and urged the U.S. to maintain continuous military support while clarifying its position as soon as possible.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha directed the summons, emphasizing that ‘any delay in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities encourages the aggressor to continue the war and terrorism.’ Key weapon systems affected include Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery systems, and Hellfire missiles—critical assets for Ukraine’s ongoing resistance against Russian forces.
The suspension has caused alarm among Ukrainian troops, with military sources stating, ‘We will struggle without American ammunition against a better-equipped and numerically superior Russian army.’ Public reactions in Kyiv ranged from anger to despair, with some residents declaring, ‘Ukraine has been handed over to Putin,’ and accusing Western allies of complicity in evil if they fail to support Ukraine.
In Moscow, the Kremlin expressed satisfaction, with a spokesperson claiming the move would ‘bring an end to the war closer.’ However, analysts like Shashank Joshi from RUSI in London argue that halting aid instead makes it less likely that Russia will seriously engage in negotiations.
A report published in May 2025 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that Ukraine’s long-term ability to resist Russia would be significantly compromised without continued U.S. military assistance—a level of support European allies are currently unable to match.