U.S. pauses some weapons shipments to Ukraine after Pentagon review

The United States has decided to halt some planned deliveries of air defence missiles and other munitions to Ukraine, citing concerns over dwindling American stockpiles, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The weapons had previously been promised to Kyiv under the Biden administration. But the pause comes as President Donald Trump shifts the U.S. approach to military assistance, prioritising domestic defence needs.

“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a Department of Defense review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

A Pentagon review reportedly found that some key munitions were running too low to justify further exports. As a result, select shipments already promised to Ukraine will now be withheld.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said the withheld items include air defence systems and precision-guided munitions, though details have not been publicly released.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Washington has provided more than $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The change in policy reflects growing tension between ongoing support for Ukraine and concerns about maintaining U.S. military readiness.

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