The suspension comes after a tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Trump urged Kyiv to accept a peace deal to end Russia's invasion.
The freeze affects billions of dollars in military assistance, including ammunition, vehicles, and critical air defense systemsâ€"some of which were part of agreements made during Joe Biden's presidency.
Since the beginning of Russia's invasion nearly three years ago, the U.S. has allocated approximately $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, as reported by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Additionally, in December, shortly before the transition of power, former President Joe Biden announced an extra $5.9 billion in security and budget assistance.
With Ukraine relying heavily on Western aid to sustain its defense, officials warn that the suspension of military aid could have dire consequences.
Immediate consequences for Ukraine
Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, called the decision "shocking" and accused Trump of aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Trump is helping Putin to kill Ukrainians," he said.
A Ukrainian intelligence official warned that the full impact of the aid suspension would be felt in two weeks, with ammunition shortages becoming critical by mid-summer.
"This is a black day for Ukraine and for Europe," the official told ABC News, urging European countries to fill the gap left by the U.S.
Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's prime minister, expressed gratitude for past U.S. support but warned that the suspension could cost thousands of lives.
"We will continue to work with the U.S. through all available channels in a calm manner," he said. "We only have one plan â€" to win and to survive."
The aid freeze has also triggered concerns among European and NATO allies, who were not informed in advance.
Poland's foreign ministry spokesperson, Paweł Wroński, emphasized that the decision was made without consultation.
"This is a very important decision, and the situation is very serious," he stated.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen warned against withdrawing support at a critical moment, saying, "This definitely shouldn't be a moment where we give in."
Meanwhile, French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad stressed that the aid pause "means moving peace further away" and urged European nations to mobilize additional support for Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded by announcing proposals to strengthen Europe's defense industry, mobilizing close to €800 billion. The European Union is also set to hold an emergency summit to discuss the impact of the U.S. decision.
The Kremlin welcomed the move, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that the U.S. had been "the main supplier of this war so far" and suggesting that halting aid could be a step toward peace.
In the U.S., Democratic lawmakers criticized the suspension. Congressman Brendan Boyle called the move "reckless, indefensible, and a direct threat to our national security."
Reports also indicate that the Trump administration is exploring ways to restore ties with Russia, with discussions underway to ease economic sanctions.
Despite the setback, Ukrainian officials insist that they have reserves to maintain their defense for at least six months.
"Ukraine will not collapse," said Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director-general of the Royal United Services Institute. "But the effect will be cumulative."
Ukrainian lawmakers remain determined to secure alternative sources of military aid.
"We are looking for ways for pragmatic cooperation and are ready to sign, including an agreement on minerals," Prime Minister Shmyhal stated.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
