By Olena Harmash
KYIV (Reuters) – Ukraine said on Tuesday its forces could hold the situation together on the battlefield as they fight Russian troops despite a pause in U.S. military aid, and that it hoped to continue working with Washington pragmatically.
The remarks by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal were the first official comment from Kyiv after U.S. President Donald Trump stunned Ukrainians by pausing the supply of U.S. military aid that has been critical for Kyiv since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
“Our military and the government have the capabilities, the tools, let’s say, to maintain the situation on the front line. They are obviously not subject to disclosure,” he said.
The remarks, in which Shmyhal thanked the US and emphasised Kyiv wanted mutually-beneficial cooperation, appeared aimed at keeping up a semblance of normality as Kyiv’s once key ally continues to upend its wartime policies, engaging directly with Russia.
“We will continue to work with the U.S. through all available channels in a calm manner,” Shmyhal told a news conference.
Russian forces, which already control around a fifth of Ukraine, have been pressing in the east for more than a year and conduct regular missile and drone strikes.
He acknowledged, however, that U.S. military assistance was critical for Ukraine and that it had helped save thousands of lives.
He said there was a risk for the repair, maintenance, and general supplies for U.S. Patriot air defences that he described as the only system capable of repelling Russian ballistic missile strikes.
He added that Ukraine was ready to sign a minerals deal with the United States that was cast into doubt after U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last Friday descended into acrimony.
Trump hinted on Monday that a deal to open up Ukraine’s minerals to U.S. investment could still be agreed despite his frustration with Kyiv.
(Reporting by Olena Harmash and Yuliia Dysa; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Jon Boyle)
