The decision left officials on both sides of the Atlantic scrambling to find out how long the pause might last.

The Pentagon came under criticism Wednesday for its decision to halt sending air defense missiles to Ukraine, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle arguing that move was shortsighted at a time when Russia has ramped up its missile and drone barrages.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced it had suspended some weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The Defense Department says the U.S. needs the weapons to be ready for its own contingencies.