Trump's aid halt stirs fears, hopes of united Europe effort
Aleksander Sladkow, a Russian war correspondent and noted Kremlin propagandist, commented on the news regarding the suspension of American aid to Ukraine. In his opinion, it is too early to assume that Russian forces will now quickly break through Ukraine's defences.
Donald Trump halted all American military aid to Ukraine. Experts and analysts suggest it will be particularly challenging for Kyiv's other allies to replace the American Patriot anti-aircraft systems and missiles, Bradley fighting vehicles, and GMLRS missiles. Their absence, combined with the lack of other American weapons and ammunition supplies, will significantly hamper the Ukrainian army's operations.
Aleksander Sladkow calms emotions in the Kremlin
As noted by the Bulgarian Military portal, the Russian expert asserts that Donald Trump's decision "marks a pivotal change but will not give Russia an easy victory over the besieged forces of Ukraine." Sladkow mainly argues this opinion by highlighting Ukraine's European allies, who continue to support its efforts strongly and do not intend to limit their assistance. Sladkow even fears that the firm and unilateral moves by the USA may unite Europe, which will start strengthening Kyiv's arsenal with even greater resolve, particularly with drones.
Sladkow shared his thoughts on Telegram, stating that while the United States may halt its aid, Europe will continue to strengthen Ukraine with its equipment. He noted that, in his view, defeating the enemy would not be easy, even if U.S. support is temporarily withdrawn. His perspective differs from the growing sentiment in the Kremlin, where some are already suggesting that victory is nearly assured.
This weapon scares the Russians the most
Sladkow emphasized in both the above and his subsequent posts that the suspension of aid to Ukraine might only be temporary and, after a break, the United States might resume supplying its weapons to the front. Meanwhile, he pointed to Ukrainian weapons that pose the biggest problem for Russian troops—drones.
According to adversarial experts, Ukraine manufactures around 4,000 FPV drones daily and 2,500 Baba Yaga drones monthly. Sladkow pointed out that dismantling the relevant production facilities would weaken the combat capabilities of Ukraine's armed forces on the front lines.
Official information from Ukraine indicates that by 2025, the country could have as many as 4 million drones of various types, from small FPVs and Baba Yagas to long-range drones capable of attacking targets hundreds of kilometres away. Andrij Sybiha, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented these plans.
