Trump to speak with Putin, may call Zelensky amid arms halt

Al Mayadeen

15-07-2025

US President Donald Trump announced he would hold a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, raising speculation about the topics to be discussed amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe and a US pause on arms deliveries to Ukraine.
'Will be speaking to President Putin of Russia at 10:00 A.M. Thank you!' Trump posted on his social media platform, without providing further details on the nature of the conversation.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian source told Reuters that Trump is also expected to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. The Financial Times reported that the two leaders are likely to address the recent suspension of key US weapons shipments to Ukraine. According to sources familiar with the matter, Zelensky plans to press Trump on potential future arms deals during the call, though the timing could still change.
The US decision to pause certain weapons transfers to Kiev, reportedly due to diminishing stockpiles, has sparked alarm in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials summoned the acting US envoy to Kiev on Wednesday to stress the critical need for continued military assistance.
Kiev warned that any disruption in US military aid would significantly weaken its defenses against intensified Russian air assaults and ground operations.
The Pentagon has halted shipments of critical air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine due to mounting concerns that US weapons stockpiles have "fallen too low," Politico reported on Wednesday at dawn.
The move, reportedly spearheaded by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, follows an internal review of US military reserves. The review concluded that current stockpiles of Patriot interceptors, Hellfire missiles, precision-guided artillery rounds, and other vital munitions have fallen to levels considered insufficient for America's national defense priorities.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the decision, stating it was made 'to put America's interests first' following a Department of Defense reassessment of global military aid commitments. 'The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,' she said in a statement.
Ukrainian officials on Wednesday urgently requested clarification from the United States following its announcement of a halt in the delivery of air defense ammunition, as the country faces unprecedented waves of Russian aerial attacks.
According to media reports, Ukrainian officials either remained silent or declined to comment when questioned about the US decision, suggesting they were caught off guard.
A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Kiev is 'now verifying with the Americans what exactly is happening.'
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that any reduction or suspension in Western weapons supplies to Ukraine would contribute significantly to ending the conflict.