Trump denies ordering US arms halt to Ukraine amid Pentagon review

U.S. President Donald Trump assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he was not responsible for the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, clarifying that he had only ordered a review of Pentagon stockpiles following U.S. strikes on Iran, not a freeze on arms shipments. The aid package on hold includes critical weaponry such as Patriot missile interceptors and Stinger anti-tank missiles, which Ukraine urgently needs to defend against intensified Russian attacks. Despite the pause, Trump expressed a commitment to send more weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing their need to defend themselves amid heavy Russian assaults. This position marks a policy shift, with the Pentagon completing its review and preparing recommendations on resuming shipments, while U.S. officials are engaging with Ukrainian counterparts to discuss aid restoration. Zelenskyy described the recent call as the most productive so far, reflecting optimism about U.S. support. The discussions come amid stalled peace negotiations and ongoing Russian aggression that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and drone attacks in Ukraine.