Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, has stated that the United States must resume military aid programmes for Ukraine. While assistance approved during President Joe Biden’s term remains in effect, no new programmes have been introduced under the current administration. Podolyak stressed the urgency of discussing future support, highlighting that these concerns were raised during Ukraine’s meeting with United States Special Representative Keith Kellogg.
United States House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed reluctance to approve new funding for Ukraine, stating that there is no political appetite in Washington for additional aid. This hesitation comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv that delays in military assistance could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against continued Russian aggression.
Following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Keith Kellogg in Kyiv, a scheduled press conference was unexpectedly cancelled. Podolyak explained that the decision to cancel the briefing was made at the request of the American delegation and should not be seen as a sign of hidden tensions. He suggested that the current administration in Washington is using strategic information pressure as part of its negotiation tactics. Despite these complexities, Ukraine remains firm in its expectations of strong support from the United States.
A member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence, MP Fedir Venislavsky, has reassured the public that arms deliveries under existing contracts with American companies are still ongoing. However, recent statements from other Ukrainian officials paint a more concerning picture. Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Committee on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence, revealed that sales of weapons from the United States to Ukraine have effectively halted. He explained that some American companies that were ready to deliver weapons have now paused shipments, awaiting a final decision from Washington. MP Oleksiy Honcharenko confirmed this statement, warning that the situation is creating uncertainty in Ukraine’s defence strategy.
The delay in new military aid and the suspension of weapons sales come at a critical moment in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. While existing aid continues to flow, Ukrainian officials insist that fresh commitments are necessary to maintain battlefield resilience. Without renewed support from the United States, Ukraine risks losing momentum in its defensive efforts, leaving key cities and infrastructure vulnerable to further Russian attacks.
Summary
Ukraine is urging the United States to renew military aid programmes as no new assistance has been introduced under the current administration. While aid approved during Biden’s presidency remains active, Ukrainian officials stress that further support is necessary. United States House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that there is little political will in Washington for additional funding, creating uncertainty for Kyiv.
Following a meeting between President Zelensky and United States Special Representative Keith Kellogg, a planned press conference was cancelled. Podolyak explained that this was a standard diplomatic decision by the American delegation and not a sign of strained relations. However, he acknowledged that Washington may be using negotiation tactics that involve strategic pressure.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the suspension of United States weapons sales to Ukraine. Some American companies that were prepared to deliver arms have halted shipments, waiting for a decision from Washington. Officials warn that these delays could weaken Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian aggression. If the United States does not act swiftly, Ukraine could face significant risks on the battlefield, leaving its forces vulnerable to Moscow’s continued military operations.
