How 5 million US weapons worth $65.9 billion helped Ukraine fight Russia before Trump’s pause

The United States has been a crucial backer of Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression, supplying $65.9 billion in military aid since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, in a dramatic shift, Donald Trump has ordered a halt to this support, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position.

“The United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the State Department had previously stated, but with Trump’s decision, the future of US assistance remains unclear.

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Here’s a detailed look at what military aid had been delivered before the pause.

Air Defence: Shielding Ukraine from Russian Attacks
With relentless aerial bombardments from Russian forces, Ukraine relied heavily on US-supplied air defence systems, including:

Three Patriot missile batteries.
12 NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) with munitions.

3,000+ Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.
Radar systems to detect and intercept enemy missiles and drones.

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These systems have played a critical role in protecting cities and infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Artillery and Missiles: Keeping the Frontlines Armed

Artillery remains at the heart of the war, with US supplies crucial for Ukraine’s firepower. Key provisions included:

• 200+ 155mm howitzers and over three million rounds of ammunition.
• 40+ HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) with guided rockets.
• 10,000+ Javelin anti-tank missiles.
• 120,000+ anti-vehicle weapons to counter Russian advances.

Without continued resupplies, Ukrainian forces may struggle to maintain their operational tempo.

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Tanks and Armoured Vehicles: Strengthening Ground Operations

While the US refrained from sending combat aircraft, it supplied Ukraine with vital armoured vehicles, including:

• 31 Abrams tanks, the US military’s most advanced heavy tank.
• 45 Soviet-designed T-72B tanks.
• 300+ Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
• 5,000+ Humvee military vehicles.

These assets have been crucial in countering Russian armoured formations, especially in contested regions.

Drones and Aircraft: Eyes in the Sky

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have been instrumental in reconnaissance and attack missions. Before the aid freeze, Ukraine received:

• 20 Mi-17 helicopters.
• Switchblade, Phoenix Ghost, and Scan Eagle drones.
• High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) for targeting Russian air defence systems.

Drones have been a game-changer, enabling precise strikes while minimising risk to Ukrainian forces.

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What Happens Now?

The pause in US assistance raises serious concerns. Ukraine has relied on continuous military aid to sustain its war effort. With Trump’s decision, Kyiv may need to seek alternative sources of support from European allies or scale back operations.

Since Trump took office, Washington has continued limited deliveries, with a US defence official stating that some "critical munitions" approved under the Biden administration were still being sent. However, this does not guarantee future shipments.

Ukraine’s fate on the battlefield may now hinge on diplomatic negotiations and decisions made in Washington. The abrupt shift in US policy leaves both military analysts and Ukrainian officials questioning what comes next in this high-stakes war.

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