Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Ukraine-Russia / What’s behind Trump’s Ukraine weapons U-Turn?
Ukraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

July 9, 2025

What’s behind Trump’s Ukraine weapons U-Turn?

By Daniel DePetris

On July 1, the Trump administration announced a pause in specific United States weapons systems to Ukraine as part of a more exhaustive Pentagon review of U.S. munitions stockpiles. The suspension caught Europe and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by surprise. Lawmakers, including some in the Republican Party, were aghast that U.S. defense officials would throttle shipments, even if temporarily, at a time when Russia’s air attacks on Ukraine were at their most intense since the war began in February 2022.

However, something in the last week has changed President Donald Trump’s mind. When asked on Monday whether the U.S. would continue to arm the Ukrainian military, Trump answered affirmatively. “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to,” he replied. “They [Ukraine] have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now.” Sure enough, the Pentagon released a statement shortly thereafter that the U.S. would deliver additional defensive military aid to Kyiv.

Several variables are at play that may help explain Trump’s shift.

Read at Washington Examiner

Author

Photo of Daniel DePetris

Daniel
DePetris

Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Eurasia

op-edUkraine, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine‑Russia

The case for cutting off weapons to Ukraine

By Dan Caldwell

July 6, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

As Pentagon pauses some weapons for Ukraine, experts weigh in on U.S. priorities

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 3, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump’s silence on loss of Ukraine lithium territory speaks volumes

By Jennifer Kavanagh

July 2, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia

There is no ‘axis of autocracy’

By Daniel DePetris

July 1, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Are the Russia-Ukraine peace talks going anywhere?

By Daniel DePetris

June 3, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Drone attack may do Ukraine more harm than good

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 2, 2025

Events on Ukraine-Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

Past Virtual Event: A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved