Amidst conflicting reports about a halt in US military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal recently clarified that the aid continues to flow. This statement contradicts various American and European reports claiming that the White House had decided to cease all current and future weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The Ukrainian PM assured that all previously approved aid packages from the former US administration have been successfully delivered as planned. Shmyhal made these remarks during a briefing in Kyiv on March 4th, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
Ukrainian PM Disputes Reports of US Military Aid Halt
During the briefing, Shmyhal emphasized that there had been no indication of a halt in aid delivery as of the previous night. He mentioned, “All aid packages were being delivered as of yesterday.” However, he admitted that he had not consulted the defense minister that morning to confirm any recent changes. Shmyhal assured the public that should there have been any alterations, he would have been duly informed and would communicate the updates promptly.
US President Donald Trump’s announcement to suspend US support for Ukraine on Monday came as a surprise, intensifying pressure on Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Russia. While reports suggested an immediate suspension of military aid, freezing shipments worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the specifics regarding the cancellation of all arms shipments remain ambiguous. Shmyhal highlighted Ukraine’s capability to meet its artillery needs through domestic production by the end of 2025, reassuring the country’s self-sufficiency in this aspect.
Ukraine’s Commitment to Diplomatic Engagement
Despite the speculations surrounding a potential halt in US military support, Shmyhal affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomatic efforts through various channels. He expressed the government’s intent to collaborate with Congress and the Trump administration to uphold the cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the pursuit of a just and enduring peace. Shmyhal’s confidence in the continuation of US support, acknowledging the nation as a global leader and a crucial ally that has supported Ukraine for several years, underlined the significance of the ongoing partnership.
These recent developments follow a highly publicized confrontation between Ukrainian President Zelensky and President Trump in the Oval Office, culminating in an abrupt end to the meeting. Trump’s assertion that Zelensky was “not ready” for peace talks with Russia added to the escalating tensions. Zelensky’s intended White House visit to finalize an agreement on jointly utilizing Ukraine’s mineral resources quickly turned contentious, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing the Ukrainian leader for purportedly lacking gratitude for US support during Russia’s invasion.
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