Pentagon halted Ukraine aid without informing White House — media
Photo: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth did not inform the White House about his decision to temporarily halt the delivery of weapons to Ukraine last week, according to CNN.
According to five sources familiar with the matter, Hegseth’s move triggered significant internal discord within President Donald Trump's administration, as officials scrambled to understand the reasons for the pause and communicate them to Congress and the Ukrainian government.
During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 8, President Trump told reporters that the US would continue supplying defensive weapons to Ukraine, but dodged the question of who authorized the suspension.
Pressed again on who sanctioned the pause, Trump replied: “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
Sources say the episode once again highlighted the lack of proper coordination in the Trump administration's decision-making process, particularly within the Department of Defense under Hegseth’s leadership.
CNN sources said Hegseth halted the delivery of Patriot interceptors and artillery shells after Trump, during the NATO summit, tasked him with assessing US weapons stockpiles. This happened amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, and the president wanted to ensure American forces in the region had what they needed.
However, three sources emphasized that Trump did not issue a direct order to suspend aid to Ukraine. All five sources said the recommendation came from Elbridge Colby, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, a long-time critic of extensive military support for Ukraine.
Background
In early July, leading Western media outlets reported that the US had paused deliveries of some weapons systems to Ukraine, including air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions.
According to The Guardian, the halt was linked to a shortage of Patriot missiles.
On July 3, Trump held a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
After the call, Trump announced plans to increase military aid to Ukraine, blaming Vladimir Putin for numerous civilian casualties.
The president said Putin was talking too much nonsense and hinted the Kremlin leader should expect a surprise.
Media sources say the US is also considering sending Ukraine another Patriot missile battery.
