Can Ukraine defend its cities without US military aid? Expert weighs in

According to the expert, there will be no catastrophe, even though Russia is actively seeking to create one for Ukraine. However, Ukraine is also capable of "knocking out Russia's teeth" by striking its critical targets.

"Without a doubt, the enemy wants a disaster and will try to cause one. Our task now is to use the remaining weapons wisely and effectively — and to find new solutions," Khrapchynskyi explained.

A pressure tactic on Kyiv?

Khrapchynskyi suggested that diplomatic efforts will eventually force the US to resume its aid. However, it should be understood that the US has typically provided Ukraine with weapons that are "not exactly fresh" — those nearing the end of their service life.

"In any case, it's important to understand that most of the missiles we've received — AIM-9, AIM-7, AIM-120 — were headed for disposal. I sometimes joke that the US, or any country sending us expired weapons, should actually pay us for recycling them," he joked.

The expert added that the suspension of American arms deliveries to Ukraine is most likely a form of political pressure. There is a threat, of course, but it is also a call to action — to stop relying on partners and start doing something independently.

Developing Ukraine's own defense industry

Khrapchynskyi recalled the story of the formation of the SS Galicia Division within the German army during World War II. At that time, German generals and officials strictly forbade the soldiers of the division from calling themselves Ukrainians, insisting on the term Galicians instead.

According to the expert, the Third Reich viewed the emergence of an independent Ukraine as a threat. It's no surprise that the existence of Ukraine and its desire to be independent — outside the influence of Russia or any other country — causes concern both in Europe and in the United States.

"Again, to quote the great Ukrainian writer Taras Shevchenko: 'If you studied the way you should, you'd have your own wisdom.' We really need to develop our own strategic vision and our own capabilities to counter any threats from the enemy. Right now, we have a large number of companies that can do this, and that's a positive thing. But once again, we need state support and the support of Western partners," the expert explained.

Pressure must be put on Europe

Khrapchynskyi recalled that at a security forum in Warsaw, Polish politicians stated that Poland could and should become a hub of support for Kyiv. That is great, he said, but more is needed.

"For example, we would like European countries not to merely escort Russian aircraft that violate their airspace, but to intercept them — as Türkiye once did when it shot down a Russian jet. But in order for Europe to become more decisive, we need to keep emphasizing this point," he added.

The US halts arms deliveries to Ukraine

On the evening of July 1, it became known that the Pentagon was suspending certain shipments of precision munitions to Ukraine, including air defense missiles. US media reported that the decision was made by Elbridge A. Colby, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and a long-time critic of military support for Ukraine. The official reason cited was an alleged "shortage" of these types of weapons for the US itself.

Ukraine has not received any formal notifications from the United States regarding the halt in deliveries. The Ministry of Defense has requested clarification from the Pentagon, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy.

Meanwhile, the White House has already confirmed the suspension of certain arms transfers to Ukraine. Media outlets, citing White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly, reported that Washington had indeed paused the delivery of several categories of weapons, including air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions. The US Ambassador to the UN also confirmed the information, stating that the decision was made because the US wants to ensure its own combat readiness.