Pentagon’s Ukraine Weapons Freeze Sparks Confusion, Even Among Trump Allies

The Pentagon’s surprise decision to pause certain weapons shipments to Ukraine has caught both American and European officials off guard — including close allies of President Donald Trump, The Gaze reports, citing Politico.

The halt, driven by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby over concerns about dwindling U.S. munitions stockpiles, was reportedly made without input from the State Department, Congress, or even parts of the Trump administration.

“There’s internal division in the White House,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who noted that officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio may not have been consulted. Even top Republicans expressed frustration, accusing Colby of acting unilaterally.

The freeze — which affected key arms already staged in Poland — has raised alarm in Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team is seeking clarity.

A call between Trump and Zelenskyy is being planned to discuss the pause, which U.S. officials insist is not permanent.

“The U.S. says this is not a pause, not a suspension,” a European diplomat said. “This is still a priority.”

Lawmakers from both parties are demanding answers. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said he was “blindsided,” while others criticized the lack of coordination. Pentagon officials say the review is routine, but calls for transparency are mounting.

As The Gaze previously reported, the United States has halted shipments of certain air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions to Ukraine due to growing concerns about the depletion of its own weapons stockpiles.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine stated that it had not received any official notifications about the suspension or revision of defence aid delivery schedules from the United States and requested a telephone conversation with its US counterparts.