'Can't be half-measures in defense of liberty': US congressman demands urgent briefing on Ukraine aid freeze; writes to Trump

US Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick wrote to Donald Trump demanding urgent briefing on Ukraine aid freeze as Russia launched largest aerial assault, firing over 500 weapons in a single week, since the war began."I respectfully request an emergency briefing from the White House and the Department of Defense on the Pentagon's recent review of our nation's weapons and munitions stockpiles, as well as the decision to withhold urgent, lifesaving military assistance to Ukraine," he said in the letter."Mr President, Ukrainian soldiers and pilots are not just protecting their homeland-they are holding the line for the entire democratic world. This is a defining moment: Ukraine's courage must continue to be met with action, and the United States must continue to lead with clarity and purpose. There can be no half-measures in the defense of liberty. We must, as we always have, stand for peace through strength," he said.Meanwhile, US officials on Wednesday sought to play down concerns after the White House said it was pausing some weapons shipments to Ukraine, leaving Kyiv surprised and seeking clarification. "The Department of Defense continues to provide the president with robust options regarding military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told journalists as quoted by AFP.State department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, however, said that "this is not a cessation of us assisting Ukraine or of providing weapons. This is one event, and one situation, and we'll discuss what else comes up in the future."The White House announced Tuesday that it was pausing certain promised weapons shipments to Ukraine, without specifying which programs were impacted. The move followed a review of US defense needs and military aid to other nations.