WASHINGTON: The United States has suspended some weapons shipments to Ukraine, initially pledged under the Biden administration, amid concerns over its own military stockpiles, according to US media reports.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the pause amid concern about the US military’s stockpiles, NBC News reported, citing two defence officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision.
Hegseth ordered the delay weeks after he issued a memo ordering a review of the US stockpile of munitions, which has been depleted after years of the United States’ sending weapons to Ukraine.
The Biden-era pledges, which included various munitions to bolster Ukraine’s defences, are now under review as the Pentagon reassesses current inventory levels.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement, “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned.”
The internal assessment by the Pentagon found some stockpiles “too low” to justify immediate transfer to Ukraine, Politico reported, citing a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“America’s military has never been more ready and more capable,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, noting a major tax and defence spending bill in Congress would help modernise systems for long-term deterrence.
Russia hopes US decision to end conflict
US media outlets reported that missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back.
Following the announcement, Ukraine called the US envoy to Kyiv, John Ginkel, to discuss ongoing cooperation.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa thanked Ginkel for US assistance but warned that halting military aid – especially air defence systems – would embolden Russia, Al Jazeera reported.
“Any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine’s defence capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Russia said the US decision could hasten an end to the conflict. “The fewer weapons sent to Kyiv, the sooner peace will come,” the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
US support for Ukraine
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, the US has provided more than $66bn in weapons and security assistance to Ukraine.
Throughout the war, Washington has also urged its allies to supply air defence systems, particularly Patriot missile batteries. However, many NATO members remain reluctant to give up the systems.
Trump, who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during last week’s NATO summit, acknowledged Ukraine’s request for more Patriots.
“They do want to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they call them – the Patriots,” Trump said.
“We’re going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. We’re supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective. Hard to believe how effective.”
