Republicans press Trump to resume military and intelligence aid to Ukraine

Republicans warn that the prolonged suspension of American assistance will have serious negative consequences.

According to The Hill, lawmakers suggest that Trump could temporarily halt the supply of weapons to Ukraine. This would allow him to assess the situation, pressure NATO allies to increase their contributions, and create an opportunity for peace talks. However, they caution that halting the flow of weapons and ammunition for an extended period could have a devastating impact on Ukraine's military capabilities. This, in turn, would undermine leverage over Russia.

Republicans also believe that Ukraine's access to intelligence data should be restored.

"It’s a concern for the Ukrainian people. I worry more about how people on the battlefield feel about it," said Republican Senator Thom Tillis, adding that the pause could benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The senator stated that Ukraine has enough weapons and ammunition to hold the front line.

"I’m hoping and praying that it’s short-lived. I think it will be," Tillis added.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins said she opposed suspending military aid.

Republican Senator Todd Young said he hopes that Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy can "regroup" and "come together and close the gap" in the US-Ukraine deal on minerals.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune believes that the pause in military aid to Ukraine will be temporary.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he is alarmed by the pause in intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

"I’m very worried about the long term. Hopefully, all this will clear up pretty soon," he said.

Sen. John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that the intelligence data the US provided to Ukraine was "essential for them to be able to stay in the fight."

Republican Senators Mike Rounds and Deb Fischer also made similar statements.

Suspension of US aid to Ukraine

As a reminder, after Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a clash at the White House, the US suspended the transfer of weapons and intelligence to Ukraine.

Western media outlets report that the UK, France, and other European partners continue to provide Ukraine with intelligence data, although their capabilities are more limited.

Analysts note that suspending access to intelligence data could affect the frontline, particularly the ability to launch long-range strikes.

Additionally, Ukrainian and US delegations will meet in Saudi Arabia on March 11.