US pauses some weapons shipments to Ukraine over stockpile level concerns

The US is halting shipments of some weapons to Ukraine that were previously promised under the Biden administration. This comes after Department of Defense officials raised concerns over the current level of US stockpiles. 

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement, "This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a 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," per the Associated Press. 

A US official who spoke to the outlet on condition of anonymity said that a Pentagon review had determined that the stockpile of weapons previously pledged were too low, so some pending shipments will not be sent. 

Per Politico, three people familiar with the issue said the review revealed concerns over falling numbers of artillery rounds, air defense missiles and precision munitions.

To date, the US has sent over $66 billion in weapons and military assistance as Ukraine continues its war against Russia, which has raged on since February of 2022. 

Colby said that officials continue "to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end."

"At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities," he added.

Ukraine reportedly summoned a senior US diplomat in an effort to urge the Trump administration not to delay the shipments. The Ukraine foreign ministry said, "The Ukrainian side stressed that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue the war," per the Daily Mail. 

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, said of the pause, "The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation."