Trump, Zelensky, and US Aid to Ukraine: Who’s Playing Who?
Is America really backing off Ukraine or just changing its game plan? Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the US hasn’t stopped sending weapons to Kyiv, just rethinking what parts they send. But let’s be real — the Pentagon recently decided to halt shipments of ammo and rockets to Ukraine, sparking a storm in Kyiv.
Zelensky and Trump — phone calls stirring the pot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump have had several important talks recently. Zelensky even wished Trump a Happy Independence Day, and they discussed the frontline situation, Russian air strikes, and US air defense system deliveries. Zelensky stressed that US support is key to saving lives and Ukraine’s independence.
Meanwhile, Trump called his call with Putin “disappointing,” while Russia launched one of the largest and most cynical air attacks on Kyiv just hours after Trump’s call with Putin. Coincidence or something darker?
Aid halt and its fallout
The Pentagon confirmed it has stopped all US weapons shipments to Ukraine, including those promised by former President Joe Biden. A Pentagon spokesperson said a full review is underway, with “America First” as the guiding principle. In short, Ukraine is no longer a US priority.
This move has panicked Kyiv, as it weakens Ukraine’s ability to defend against escalating Russian attacks. Germany is already negotiating to buy Patriot systems to fill the gap, but will it be enough?
Europe steps up
As the US cuts back, Europe has taken the lead in supporting Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Europe surpassed the US in total military aid to Ukraine in June — €72 billion vs. $65 billion. European countries, including Denmark, are investing in producing weapons and military gear for Ukraine.
Danish PM Mette Frederiksen said clearly that Ukraine fights not just for itself but for all of Europe, and that sanctions on Russia must be increased and Russian gas imports stopped.
Kremlin cheers, Ukraine panics
The Kremlin welcomed the news of reduced US aid, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying it’s likely linked to empty US weapons stockpiles. He added that the less weapons Ukraine gets, the closer the “special military operation” — Russia’s euphemism for its war in Ukraine — is to ending.
Ukraine has called for further talks with US officials to clarify the situation, but it’s clear US policy on Ukraine is shifting dramatically.
Bottom line: Who’s crazy here?
While Trump and Zelensky play their phone games and Europe tries to cover the US retreat, Ukraine teeters on the edge between survival and defeat. Has America really abandoned its ally or just changed strategy? And what happens to Ukraine and all of Europe if this drama keeps unfolding?
Got a hot take on this wild situation? Drop a comment below — maybe together we’ll figure out what’s really going on behind the scenes!
