Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to pause a critical shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine due to concerns over the U.S. military’s dwindling stockpiles.
This delay comes in the wake of a memo Hegseth issued weeks earlier, which called for a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles. The stockpiles have significantly decreased after years of sending weapons to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Additionally, the U.S. military has been engaged in nearly two years of operations in the Middle East, specifically against Houthi rebels in Yemen, while also providing defense for Israel and other allied nations against Iranian threats.
According to two defense officials, two congressional officials, and two sources familiar with the decision, the shipment’s munitions could be held up until a comprehensive assessment of U.S. military readiness is completed.
If the assessment reveals that munitions are in short supply or needed elsewhere, the delay may extend further.
The weapons affected by this delay include a substantial number of vital military systems, such as dozens of Patriot interceptors designed to counter incoming Russian missiles, thousands of 155 mm high explosive Howitzer rounds, over 100 Hellfire missiles, more than 250 precision-guided missile systems known as GMLRS, and various surface-to-air missiles including Stinger missiles and AIM air-to-air missiles, as well as grenade launchers.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly provided insights into the rationale behind this decision, stating, “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 — just ask Iran.”
The Department of Defense did not respond to requests for further comments on this matter.
In remarks made after a NATO meeting in The Hague, President Donald Trump highlighted the importance of Patriot air defense missiles for Ukraine. “They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, as they call them the Patriots, and we’re going to see if we can make some available,” he stated, acknowledging the competing demands for weaponry as the U.S. also supplies arms to Israel.
The pause has drawn concern from Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian lawmaker Fedir Venislavskyi expressed that the Pentagon’s decision is “painful” for Ukraine’s efforts to defend against ongoing Russian air strikes. He articulated the gravity of the situation by stating, “this decision is certainly very unpleasant for us,” especially in light of recent terrorist attacks by Russia on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry has also engaged in discussions with U.S. diplomats regarding military assistance. They emphasized that any delays or uncertainties in support would only embolden Russian aggression instead of fostering a pathway to peace. This comes as Ukraine has made repeated appeals for additional U.S. and European air defense systems, particularly as Russia has intensified its aerial assaults in recent months.
Over the past weekend, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry noted that Russia conducted its largest aerial attack since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, launching 60 missiles and 477 drones.
There are also ongoing discussions in the U.S. Congress, where Trump and Republican allies are advocating for a permanent ceasefire. While it is not uncommon for new administrations to reevaluate weapon transfers, the timing of such delays has raised alarms according to sources with knowledge of the situation. It is crucial for Ukraine to project strength to compel Russia to negotiate.
During a visit to Washington on June 5, a senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the need for enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks.
These delayed munitions were authorized under Presidential Drawdown Authority and Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative packages by the Biden administration. Some shipments are already en route but have been halted before reaching Ukrainian forces, per reports from defense officials and knowledgeable sources.
In a separate context, last month, Adm. James Kilby, the acting chief of naval operations, warned Congress about the alarming rate at which the U.S. has been using certain missiles and munitions, despite the Navy currently having enough standard missiles available.
The evolving situation illustrates the delicate balance the United States must strike between supporting allies like Ukraine and maintaining its own military readiness.
image source from：nbcnews
