President Donald Trump is avoiding questions about who authorized the halt on U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine last week. When asked by a reporter who was responsible, Trump responded, “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” He continued to be evasive when questioned directly about the decision, refusing to take ownership or assign blame.
A timeline of events reveals that the White House was informed in real time of the pause and Trump’s subsequent reversal of the action, which came after an unproductive phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a series of aggressive Russian attacks on Ukraine.
On July 1, the White House confirmed the suspension of some air defense and precision guided weapons destined for Ukraine, citing a review of U.S. military support to other countries. The decision was framed as prioritizing America’s interests.
The following day, Pentagon and State Department officials struggled to explain the pause in weapons shipments, with the Defense Department characterizing it as a “capability review” of munitions sent to U.S. allies. Specific details on the types and quantities of munitions being withheld from Ukraine were not disclosed.
On July 3, Trump mentioned speaking with Putin about the conflict in Ukraine but indicated that no progress was made. Before the call, Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in Ukraine during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews.
On June 20, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Russia, President Trump responded to a reporter’s question about the U.S. pausing weapons shipments by stating that the U.S. is still providing weapons to Ukraine and working with them. However, there was a lack of communication with relevant congressional leaders about the Pentagon’s decision to pause some munitions intended for Ukraine.
On July 4, Russia escalated attacks on Ukraine, with over 500 attack drones and missiles fired overnight. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine reported the attacks and later had a positive conversation with President Trump, discussing air defense and other issues. The Wall Street Journal later revealed that Trump had directed a review of Pentagon munitions stockpiles but did not freeze arms deliveries to Kyiv.
From July 5-6, Russia continued intense strikes on Ukraine, with Ukrainian air force reporting that 322 drones were used, with most of them neutralized. Tragically, there were casualties and injuries reported in Kharkiv due to drone strikes. The situation escalated further, with more casualties and injuries as a result of Russian attacks.
On July 7, the White House announced a change in policy, stating that the pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine was part of a standard review of aid to all countries supported by the U.S. However, President Trump later confirmed during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that more weapons would be sent to Ukraine for their defense against ongoing attacks.
The munitions that were previously planned to be sent to Ukraine will be sent under Trump’s instruction. On July 8, during a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed uncertainty about who authorized the pause on sending weapons. Despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth being present, Trump stated he was unaware of the decision-maker and asked a reporter to provide insight. Trump mentioned his discontent with Putin and indicated a consideration of imposing sanctions on Russia. The following day, as Ukrainian officials reported a significant aerial attack from Russia, Trump reiterated his uncertainty about the pause decision. When questioned by a reporter about the issue, Trump stated he had not delved into the matter yet, as the focus was on Ukraine and munitions. Trump asserted that he would be informed of any major decision within his government and implied that he typically gives such orders but had not in this instance.
