Pentagon Puts Weapons Shipments to Ukraine on Hold
Pentagon cuts Ukraine weapons shipments, citing low ammo stockpiles and a reassessment of U.S. defense priorities.
The decision was revealed on July 2 by Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said that the goal of this “capability review” is to match American defense readiness with support for friends.
“The military still has everything it needs to conduct any mission,” said Parnell. However, he provided no details on the types of weapons delayed.
Ukraine Responds with Urgency
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged continued U.S. support, warning that delays may embolden Russia. Ukraine’s foreign minister told U.S. embassy officials that slowing assistance would “encourage the aggressor.”
Though specifics remain unconfirmed, reports suggest the pause includes:
- Dozens of Patriot missiles
- Over 100 Hellfire missiles
- More than 250 GMLRS guided munitions
The Bigger Picture: U.S. Stockpiles Under Strain
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the U.S. has given Ukraine $66.9 billion in military support, including:
- 3 Patriot systems
- 12 NASAMS
- Over 3,000 Stinger missiles
- 3 million rounds of 155mm artillery
But simultaneous support for Israel during its war with Iran, responses to Houthi attacks, and missile defense at U.S. bases in the Middle East have rapidly drained U.S. supplies.
“I’m not familiar with another instance in which we’ve had this level of a consumption rate,” said Jon Ludwigson of the GAO.
Congressional Concerns and Budget Battles
In May, Adm. James Kilby testified that many U.S. munition inventories remain below target levels. SM-3 Navy interceptors are being used at an “alarming rate.”
The Navy has already spent $2.3 billion on interceptors and munitions in global conflicts, and $200 million on Operation Rough Rider in Yemen alone.
Meanwhile, Israel depleted its missile stockpiles during the 12-day war with Iran. U.S. replenishment may further strain American reserves.
Trump, Congress, and Support’s Future
Following a heated meeting with Zelenskyy in March, President Donald Trump temporarily suspended funding to Ukraine but eventually restored it. However, this most recent halt indicates more significant strategic and logistical constraints.
Defense analysts caution that America’s twin obligations to Israel and Ukraine are driving U.S. stockpiles to the verge of depletion, with future allocations unknown.
Source: USA Today
