Following a directive from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the US military abruptly halted 11 flights carrying weaponry bound for Ukraine, causing confusion and consternation among officials in Kyiv and Poland. The order, issued shortly after a meeting in the Oval Office discussing Ukraine policy, was not known to President Trump or other top national security officials. The flights were quickly resumed after the pause, costing the US Transportation Command $2.2 million. The incident highlighted the chaotic decision-making process within the Trump administration and the unclear command structure within the military.

The canceled shipments, approved by the Biden administration, raised questions about the administration’s stance on Ukraine. The pause, attributed to a misinterpretation of discussions, was advised by a small group of inexperienced staffers at the Pentagon who advocated for a temporary halt in aid. The situation underscored internal disagreements and inexperience within the administration, leading to confusion and conflicting accounts about the nature of the order.

Despite the upheaval, the US eventually resumed aid shipments to Ukraine, with no official change in policy announced. The incident shed light on the challenges of navigating national security policy within the administration and the complexities of international aid logistics. The infighting and differing philosophies within the administration further complicated efforts to broker peace and support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.