Fears Of Disaster Brewing For Ukraine As U.S. Halts Weapons Shipments Over Stockpile Concerns

Fears Of Disaster Brewing For Ukraine As U.S. Halts Weapons Shipments Over Stockpile Concerns

Howard Altman

Ukrainian officials say that despite media reports that the Trump administration is halting the delivery of critical air defense interceptors and other munitions, at least some U.S. arms continue to be provided and they have not been informed that these transfers will no longer be made. The news comes at a particularly critical time, as Russia has stepped up its aerial attacks. Earlier this week, Moscow launched its largest air barrage of the war, firing 477 drones and 60 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Overall, major and relatively sudden shortfalls in planned weapons deliveries could have wide-ranging impacts on the battlefield.

 “The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has requested a telephone conversation with colleagues from the United States to further clarify the details. The results of contacts with our American partners will be further reported at the level of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.”

On Tuesday, National Public Radio reported Nick Schifrin said on X that the U.S. halted deliveries of PAC-3 MSE interceptors for the Patriot air defense system, guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS ) ground-to-ground guided munitions fired by U.S.-made Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS) andM270 MLRS, 155mm artillery rounds, Stinger man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and Hellfire missiles.

In addition to that list, a retired high-ranking Ukrainian officer told The War Zoneon Wednesday that the U.S. is also halting delivery of repurposed U.S.-supplied heat-seeking AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles Ukraine uses as an effector on some of its so-called FrankenSAM air defense systems.

We asked the White House to confirm that the U.S. would no longer send these weapons to Ukraine and received an answer provided to the media on Tuesday that the decision was based on preserving America’s weapons stocks.

“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,” Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly said. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.” 

Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, doubled down on Kelly’s statement, telling Fox News on Wednesday that “This is what America First looks like. We first have to take care of the United States’ needs.”

The Pentagon’s policy chief Elbridge Colby drove the decision, which was made after a review of Pentagon munitions stockpiles, leading to concerns that the total number of artillery rounds, air defense missiles and precision munitions was sinking, Politico reported, citing three people familiar with the issue. Politico was the first to report on the arms cutoff.

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