US Halts Key Arms Shipments to Ukraine, Kyiv Warns of Heightened Russian Threat
US Halts Key Arms Shipments to Ukraine, Kyiv Warns of Heightened Russian Threat
The White House has announced a halt to certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a decision Kyiv warns will embolden Russia and prolong the ongoing conflict. The move, confirmed on Tuesday, comes as Ukraine enters its fourth year of war against Russian aggression.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated the decision was made to prioritize “America’s interests first” following a Department of Defense review of US military support. Ukraine’s foreign ministry swiftly responded, emphasizing that “any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace.” Kyiv particularly stressed the critical need for strengthened air defenses amidst relentless Russian missile and drone attacks.
A US diplomat in Kyiv was invited for urgent talks on Wednesday regarding the development. While Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence urged against speculation, it underscored that ending the war requires “consistent and joint pressure on the aggressor.” The halt reportedly includes vital assets such as Patriot interceptors, Howitzer munitions, and various missiles, according to US broadcaster NBC.
The Kremlin welcomed the news, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserting that reducing weapons flow to Kyiv would accelerate the conflict’s end. This pause in aid follows recent discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump at last month’s NATO summit, where Trump had indicated a review of providing additional Patriot systems.
The US has provided tens of billions in military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, but concerns over depleting US stockpiles have been cited as a reason for the current decision. The development unfolds as Russia continues to make incremental advances in Ukrainian territory, and just this week, a Ukrainian attack reportedly killed three at a Russian arms factory.
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