Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause in sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine due to concerns about the U.S. military’s stockpiles.
The delay was initiated following a review of the U.S. munitions stockpile that has been depleted after providing weapons to Ukraine in response to the Russia invasion and engaging in military operations in the Middle East over the past two years.
The big picture: The assessment of the stockpile could lead to further delays in the shipment of munitions and weapons to Ukraine, especially if there is a shortage or if the resources are needed in other regions across the globe.
- Weapons being held up include Patriot interceptors, 155 mm high explosive Howitzer munitions, Hellfire missiles, GMLRS precision-guided missile systems, Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles, and grenade launchers.
- White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that the decision was made to prioritize American interests following a Department of Defense (DOD) review of military support to various countries worldwide, emphasizing the unchallenged strength of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Go deeper: President Donald Trump mentioned at a NATO meeting the desire to provide Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, acknowledging the country’s need for anti-missile systems in light of Russian threats.
- The munitions earmarked for Ukraine were approved during the Biden administration as part of Presidential Drawdown Authority and Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative packages, with some shipments already in the region but halted before reaching Ukraine.
