Ukraine in a difficult position

Kiev [Ukraine], July 3: Amidst Russia's relentless attacks on all fronts, the Ukrainian government received unfavorable news when the US announced that it would not transfer the promised weapons to Kyiv.
The US Department of Defense has halted the transfer of some types of air defense missiles and other weapons promised by the Biden administration to Ukraine over concerns about Washington's stockpile, POLITICO reported on July 1, citing sources. The decision was made by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, following a review of the US arsenal . The weapons held back are said to include Patriot air defense interceptors, precision artillery shells, anti-tank missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles launched from F-16 fighters.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed the information, according to AP on July 2. "This decision was made to put America's interests first, following a review of the country's military support and aid to other countries around the world. The strength of the US armed forces remains unquestionable, just ask Iran," Ms. Kelly said. According to AP, since Russia launched its military campaign in February 2022, the US has provided more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military aid to Ukraine. However, since the White House changed hands in January, Washington is said to have not made any new aid commitments to Kyiv.
The US decision to halt arms transfers is a painful one for Ukraine, as Russia has stepped up its offensive on the Pokrovsk and Sumy fronts and threatened to expand the fighting in Dnipropetrovsk province to maximize its advantage before considering a ceasefire. Ukraine recently reported its heaviest air attack since the start of the war, while the number of Shahed UAVs launched by Russia in June set a new record.
On the other hand, the peace dialogue process has not made any breakthrough. In his first phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron in nearly three years on July 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the West for supplying modern weapons to Ukraine to prolong hostilities, according to RT. Regarding the prospect of peace, the Russian President demanded a comprehensive and long-term agreement, addressing the root causes of the crisis and based on new territorial realities. After several months of fighting, Russia announced the annexation of four regions in Ukraine, although it did not fully control them. According to Reuters, Mr. Macron said that only Ukraine could decide on the territorial issue. The Élysee Palace later said that President Macron emphasized France's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper