The conservative editorial board of The Wall Street Journal delivered a scathing critique of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing him of aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin by halting a critical shipment of defense missiles to Ukraine.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration abruptly paused the transfer of U.S.-made missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns over diminishing American munitions stockpiles. But according to the Journal’s editorial board, the move sends a dangerous signal at a crucial time in the conflict.
“The latest arms decision against Ukraine looks like another signal to Mr. Putin to continue the war. And why not? He can keep banking territorial gains while Mr. Trump keeps begging the dictator, pretty please, for a truce,” the editorial read.
Labeling the decision as “a hostile act that favors Vladimir Putin,” the board argued that denying essential military aid to Ukraine undercuts U.S. interests and emboldens an adversary with clear territorial ambitions.
The war in Ukraine has become a litmus test for Trump’s foreign policy during his second term. While campaigning, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office. However, his stance has shifted in recent months.
Trump has since accused Putin of “tapping” him along, suggesting the Russian leader is manipulating him to delay a resolution. The Journal editorial also questioned the rationale behind the missile halt, challenging the notion that American defense reserves are too depleted to support Ukraine’s needs.
“With Iran weakened militarily, there isn’t a more urgent need for more Patriots anywhere else in the world than in Ukraine,” the board argued. “And if the cupboard is truly so depleted that America can’t support a friend in a hot war with a U.S. adversary, then that is a bigger national emergency.”
The timing of the decision, the board noted, could not be worse for Ukraine. As global attention shifts elsewhere, Russia has intensified its attacks with cruise missiles, drones, and decoys designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. One of the largest missile barrages of the war occurred just this week, and Moscow is reportedly testing vulnerabilities along the front lines in search of potential breakthroughs.
“The weapons denial comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine,” the editorial warned. “Russia is also massing troops at different places along the military line, probing for openings to stage a breakthrough or slowly take more ground.”
In its final assessment, the board’s message was clear: withholding aid to Ukraine is not a demonstration of strategic caution—it’s a gift to Putin.