The White House announced on 1/7 that the US would suspend the supply of certain weapons previously pledged to Ukraine. This follows reports from the Pentagon that US military stockpiles have been significantly depleted.
"This decision, prioritizing US interests, comes after the Pentagon reviewed defense support and military aid to countries worldwide. The strength of the US armed forces remains unquestionable, just ask Iran", White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated.
The US Department of Defense did not specify which equipment transfers to Ukraine were being suspended.
Politico, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that the affected equipment includes "missiles for the Patriot air defense system, various weapons used by Ukraine on F-16 fighter jets, guided artillery shells, Hellfire anti-tank missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles".
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A Patriot missile launcher on display at an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 8/2024. Photo: AFP |
A Patriot missile launcher on display at an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 8/2024. Photo: AFP
The decision was reportedly prompted by a recommendation from Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. The review of US weapons stockpiles revealed dwindling supplies of artillery shells, air defense missiles, and precision-guided munitions, requiring time to replenish.
Since the conflict began in 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with over USD 66 billion in military aid. Following a public disagreement between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February, Washington briefly suspended arms deliveries and intelligence support to Kyiv.
During a June hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon was urgently eliminating wasteful programs and redirecting funds to President Donald Trump's top priorities. He also emphasized that "Europe needs to do more to defend itself".
Last month, Mr. Hegseth did not attend a meeting of the international group coordinating military aid to Ukraine, a framework established by the Pentagon three years ago. This marked the first absence of a US Secretary of Defense from such an event.
Thanh Danh (According to AP, Politico)
