Mohan Sinha
07 Jul 2025, 05:44 GMT+10
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump is drawing praise from his core supporters after halting key arms shipments to Ukraine, a move seen as reinforcing his promise to reduce U.S. involvement in foreign wars.
The pause affects critical air defense systems, including Patriot missiles and precision artillery. It comes just weeks after Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—actions that had alarmed some in his base.
Following the Iran strikes, many "America First" advocates questioned whether Trump was straying from his pledge to avoid "stupid wars." But the Ukraine decision appears designed to reassure them. Trump has repeatedly criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.
Dan Caldwell, a former senior defense adviser, said the choice was between equipping American troops or aiding a conflict where U.S. interests are limited. "We chose our own troops," he said. Jack Posobiec, a far-right commentator, echoed that sentiment on X: "America FIRST."
The Pentagon insists the pause aligns with Trump's campaign platform. "The president was elected to put America first," said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
However, the move has divided Republicans. More hawkish members are alarmed, especially as Russia steps up attacks in Ukraine. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania wrote to Trump and the Pentagon requesting an emergency briefing, warning that the timing could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, emphasized continued support for Ukraine: "Now is the time to show Putin we mean business," he posted. "That starts with delivering the weapons Congress approved."
On July 3, Trump held a phone call with Putin—their sixth conversation since Trump returned to office. Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed they discussed Ukraine and Iran but did not specifically address the weapons freeze.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a visit to Denmark that he hopes to speak with Trump soon.
The White House says the pause is part of a broader review of U.S. military readiness, following US$70 billion in arms transfers to Ukraine since 2022. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy official, led the review. At his Senate hearing, Colby stressed the U.S. lacks the capacity for multiple wars and should prioritize threats from China.
Analysts supporting a more cautious U.S. posture say the arms pause is overdue. "We're reaching a point where continued aid to Ukraine could weaken our ability to respond to future crises," said Jennifer Kavanagh of Defense Priorities. "You have to be cautious."
Get a daily dose of Perth Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Perth Herald.
More InformationPARIS, France: Fast-fashion giant Shein has been fined 40 million euros by France's antitrust authority over deceptive discount practices...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON/STOCKHOLM: The Persson family is ramping up its investment in the H&M fashion empire, fueling renewed speculation about a potential...
SYDNEY, Australia: Australia will not ease its strict biosecurity rules during trade talks with the United States, Prime Minister Anthony...
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): A grand jungle safari project coming up in the Aravalli Hills is going to redefine Haryana's identity....
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 6 (ANI): The tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad last month has left many shaken, including actor...
Nearly three months after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, the country remains trapped in a deepening crisis, compounded by...
MELBOURNE, Australia: A second embryo mix-up in just two months has pushed one of Australia's largest IVF providers back into the spotlight,...
SYDNEY, Australia: Australia will not ease its strict biosecurity rules during trade talks with the United States, Prime Minister Anthony...
Birmingham [UK], July 7 (ANI): Following a historic outing with the bat at Birmingham, Indian skipper Shubman Gill reflected on changes...
Birmingham [UK], July 7 (ANI): Indian pacer Akash Deep mesmerised one and all with a ten-wicket haul in a critic-silencing, era-defining...
(Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images) McLaren's Lando Norris won his first British Grand Prix -- his home-country event -- in a...