Trump and Zelenskyy to Discuss Halt in U.S. Weapons Deliveries on July 4 Call
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to hold a phone conversation on July 4 to discuss the recent suspension of key U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Zelenskyy is also expected to raise the prospect of future weapons sales during the call.
While the exact timing of the conversation remains tentative, neither the White House nor the Office of the President of Ukraine has officially confirmed the exchange.
The anticipated discussion follows the Trump administration’s announcement on July 2 that it is pausing shipments of several advanced weapons systems to Kyiv.
The freeze includes dozens of Patriot interceptor missiles, Stinger man-portable air defense systems, precision-guided artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and AIM-series air-to-air missiles – all critical to Ukraine’s ongoing defense against intensified Russian aerial assaults.
U.S. officials attribute the move to concerns over the depletion of domestic stockpiles, but have declined to specify which systems are affected.
In response, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Hinkel for urgent consultations.
Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha emphasized that bolstering U.S.-Ukrainian defense cooperation remains a priority, especially in light of Russia’s escalating missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The decision has drawn concern from European allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the importance of U.S. aid, stating that Ukraine cannot sustain its defense in the short term without partner support.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also expressed regret, noting that continued U.S. support is crucial to Poland’s own security interests.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has welcomed the pause, claiming it could hasten the end of what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”
Read more on The Gaze: Pentagon’s Ukraine Weapons Freeze Sparks Confusion, Even Among Trump Allies