

As the US halts aid and Russia intensifies strikes, what will happen to Ukraine?
Jul 3, 2025
Latika Burke, a writer-at-large and national security expert, joins Washington reporter Simon Marks, former Ukrainian MP Hannah Hopko, and Northeast Asia analyst William Yang for a deep dive into the implications of the U.S. halting military aid to Ukraine. They discuss the mounting pressures on Ukraine's military amid increased Russian aggression and the urgent need for sustained international support. Additionally, they explore the political ramifications of Trump's major economic bill and its potential fallout on American citizens.
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US Weapon Aid Pause's Impact
- The US suspension of key missile aid to Ukraine is seen by Kiev as pressure to concede, not as a bureaucratic delay.
- Russia applauds this as diplomatic progress, but in reality it leverages US wavering to escalate its attacks.
Russia's Strategic Calculus
- Russia exploits perceived US hesitancy to believe it can achieve war goals by attrition.
- Kremlin treats US weapon aid pause as an opportunity to intensify strikes against Ukraine.
Europe's Support Limitations
- Europe aims to fill the support gap left by the US but cannot do so quickly.
- US military aid pauses undermine short-term Ukrainian defense and embolden Russia.