Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Tuesday that the United States has suspended its military aid to Ukraine, halting the flow of American weapons across the Polish-Ukrainian border.
The announcement underscores a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Kyiv, raising concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russian forces.
Speaking in Warsaw, Tusk cited reports from Poland’s border and the critical logistics hub in Jasionka, near the Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, which has served as a primary conduit for Western military supplies to Ukraine.
“Reports from the border, from our hub in Jasionka, confirm the announcements by the U.S. side,” Tusk stated, according to the Polish news agency PAP. He emphasized that the cessation of aid was not merely rhetorical, adding, “There is no reason to believe that the U.S. announcement was just empty words.”
The suspension, which appears to have taken effect immediately, includes future shipments and supplies already en route, marking a rapid implementation of the U.S. decision. Poland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began three years ago, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the transfer of American and European military assistance.
”The move came just hours after the US announced it was “pausing and reviewing” military aid to the country, with sources telling The Independent that Ukraine’s supplies of US Patriot missiles could leave it unable to defend itself in a matter of days.” – The Independent
The Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport and its adjacent railway line have been vital arteries for delivering weapons, ammunition, and other critical supplies to Ukrainian forces.
Tusk acknowledged the challenges of the U.S. move, stating, “This naturally puts Europe, Ukraine, and Poland in a more difficult position, but we have to face this situation.”
The Polish leader’s remarks reflect growing unease among Ukraine’s European allies, who now face increased pressure to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of American support.
The U.S. decision follows recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, highlighted by a public confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting last week. Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of insufficient gratitude for past U.S. assistance, a stance that appears to have precipitated the aid freeze.
In the days since, Zelensky has signaled a willingness to enter peace negotiations under Trump’s leadership, a shift that some analysts see as a direct response to the loss of American backing.
The suspension of U.S. military aid represents a major blow for Ukraine. Washington has been Kyiv’s largest military benefactor, providing advanced weaponry, including air defense systems and precision strike capabilities, that have been instrumental in countering Russian advances. Without this support, Ukrainian intelligence officials have warned of heightened vulnerability to Russian air attacks, including potential waves of drones and missiles.
As Europe grapples with the fallout, Polish officials have not indicated whether Warsaw will adjust its aid commitments to Ukraine. However, Tusk’s confirmation of the U.S. suspension underscores the urgency for European nations to reassess their strategies in supporting Kyiv.
The development has also fueled calls for a leap in EU defense efforts, with leaders like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocating for increased military spending to bolster Ukraine and the continent’s security.
Sources and related
- The Independent: Zelensky cracks under Trump pressure after US president axes aid to Ukraine
- Politico: US military aid pause leaves Ukraine vulnerable to Russian air attack
- Reuters: How Trump’s Ukraine military aid halt affects US defense industry
- RT: Poland confirms US has suspended military aid to Ukraine