Pentagon Suspends Weapons Delivery to Ukraine Due to U.S. Stockpile Concerns
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a temporary halt in the shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine due to concerns about the U.S. military’s stockpile levels. This order follows a previous memo from Hegseth that called for a comprehensive review of U.S. munitions, which have been significantly depleted after years of supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Additionally, ongoing military operations in the Middle East, including efforts against Houthi rebels in Yemen and support for Israel, have further strained resources. The delay in the shipment of munitions means that weapons intended for Ukraine could be postponed until the assessment is concluded.
Defense officials indicate that if the needed munitions are in short supply, their deployment could be delayed even longer. The shipment on hold includes a variety of advanced weaponry, such as Patriot interceptors, 155 mm Howitzer munitions, and precision-guided missile systems.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly emphasized that this decision prioritizes U.S. interests following a Defense Department review. She stressed the formidable strength of the U.S. Armed Forces, although the Department did not provide comments on the matter.
Amidst this backdrop, President Donald Trump mentioned during a NATO meeting that the U.S. is exploring options to supply Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, noting that these are also in demand for Israel. Ukrainian officials have made persistent appeals for enhanced air defense systems, especially as Russia has intensified aerial assaults recently.
Concerns have been raised regarding the timing of the pause in shipments, as officials suggest that Ukraine must showcase strength to encourage Russian negotiations. This urgency was echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser, who stated that additional air defense systems are crucial to protect cities from ongoing Russian threats.
Shipments linked to support initiatives approved during the Biden administration are reportedly stalled, even though some are already in the region.