US President Donald Trump has avoided answering questions about who gave the order to suspend critical military aid to Ukraine, telling reporters at the White House: “I haven’t thought about it.”
The comment came as journalists pressed Trump on the recent halt in deliveries of key US defence systems, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided rockets, which Ukrainian forces are relying on amid ongoing Russian aggression.
President Unaware, or Unwilling to Say
Asked directly whether he had investigated who authorised the suspension of aid, Trump responded, “I haven’t thought about it,” before adding that he is currently focused on the situation in Ukraine and the supply of munitions.
“I’m looking at Ukraine right now. I’m looking at the munitions and the weapons. I haven’t gone into it,” he said.
When pushed to clarify whether he would normally be aware of such major decisions, Trump responded:
“I would know if a decision was made. I’ll know. I’ll be the first to know. In fact, most likely I’d give the order. But I haven’t done that yet.”
He then quickly shifted focus to another topic, leaving the original question unanswered.
Background: Aid Suspended Over Stockpile Concerns
The Pentagon recently paused shipments of certain advanced munitions to Ukraine, including air defence missiles and GMLRS rockets, amid concerns about the depletion of US weapons stockpiles.
This suspension was confirmed by the White House, which cited the need to maintain adequate reserves for American forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has since confirmed that Kyiv is engaged in discussions with Washington “at working levels” to clarify the situation and maintain the flow of support.
Despite the Pentagon’s pause, Trump insisted that weapons shipments to Ukraine are ongoing but emphasised the importance of balancing that support with domestic military readiness.
Shift in Trump’s Tone Towards Russia
The President’s latest remarks come just days after a noticeable change in his rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a leaked recording from a private donor event last year, published by CNN, Trump is heard recalling how, during his first term, he threatened the leaders of Russia and China over potential attacks on Ukraine and Taiwan.
Now, he appears to be taking a harder line, publicly expressing doubt over Putin’s desire for peace and accusing the Russian leader of talking “a bunch of nonsense”.
Unanswered Questions Remain
Trump’s refusal to confirm who made the decision to halt aid has raised further concerns about internal communication and leadership within the administration, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the Ukraine conflict.
With frontline Ukrainian forces depending on continued Western support, and political tensions rising ahead of the US election, clarity on the future of military aid remains crucial.
Whether Trump’s evasive stance is strategic or reflective of deeper internal divisions remains unclear, but for Ukraine, the uncertainty is a risk they cannot afford.
