Trump dodges question on pause in military aid to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has said he has not looked into the question of who ordered the halt to military assistance to Ukraine.

Source: Ukrinform, citing Trump in response to a question from a journalist at the White House

Details: Asked whether he had found out who had given the order, Trump said, "I haven't thought about it."

Trump said he is focused on the situation in Ukraine and the supply of munitions right now, but on this issue, he has "not gone into it".

The journalist followed up by asking what it says when important decisions in the US government can be made without the president knowing. Trump answered: "I would know. If a decision was made, I will know. I'll be the first to know – in fact, most likely I'd give the order, but I haven't done that yet."

Trump then moved swiftly on to the next question.

Previously: 

• The Pentagon suspended deliveries of certain air defence missiles and other munitions to Ukraine, including Patriot interceptors, precision-guided GMLRS rockets and other key systems, because of fears that US weapons stocks have fallen too low.
• The White House confirmed that the Pentagon had suspended deliveries of some air defence missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine.
• The official reason given was that there were concerns that US weapons stocks had been depleted.
• Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was working with the US "at working levels" to clarify the details of military aid supplies following reports of the suspension of deliveries.
• Trump said that US weapons supplies to Ukraine were continuing, but his administration had to ensure that there are enough for US forces as well.

Background:

• CNN journalists have obtained an audio recording of a private meeting Trump had with campaign donors last year in which he talked about how during his first presidential term, he threatened the leaders of Russia and China over their potential plans to attack Ukraine and Taiwan.

• In recent days, the US president has significantly changed his position on military aid to Ukraine and the way he talks about the Kremlin leader. Trump has expressed doubt for the first time that the Russian ruler wants peace and complained that "We get a lot of bullsh*t thrown at us by Putin".

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