Pentagon Halts Some Weapon Shipments to Ukraine

Internal disagreements plague **Trump** administration over military aid.

A surprise decision by the Pentagon to halt some weapon supplies to Ukraine has ignited controversy, even among those typically well-informed, like members of Congress and State Department officials.

Key Players React

The suspension of supplies was reportedly orchestrated by **Elbridge Caulbia**, head of the Pentagon’s political department, and a small group of advisors. Their rationale was fear that certain U.S. weapon stockpiles were becoming depleted.

Even allies of President **Donald Trump** expressed dismay. They accused officials, such as **Kolby**, of pushing this decision without proper consultation within the administration.

“I think that all this was done by the director of the policy of the Ministry of Defense, this colby. We actually do not have an adviser to national security. I am not even sure that on this occasion we consulted with (Secretary of State **Marco**) **Rubio** … There are internal disagreements in the White House,”

—Michael McColus, Congressman

**Marco Rubio** is currently serving as acting national security advisor following **Mike Walz’s** departure.

One U.S. official described the Pentagon’s move as uncoordinated and a surprise to the State Department. In fact, two other officials claimed that the Pentagon leadership didn’t seek counsel from the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, or special representative **Kita Kellog** before diverting critical weapons already in Poland.

Internal Opposition

Reportedly, the suspension also faced opposition from within the Joint Staff, including both high-ranking officials and individuals familiar with the discussions.

The White House and State Department, however, rejected claims that the ammunition supply suspension caught administration officials off guard. Despite these denials, the situation highlights the internal tensions surrounding U.S. policy toward Ukraine, especially as aid packages are under scrutiny.

Context of the Suspension

Earlier reports indicated that the Pentagon suspended the supply of certain air defense missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine, citing concerns over dwindling U.S. weapon reserves.

President **Vladimir Zelensky** acknowledged that Ukraine is “at the working level” seeking clarification from the U.S. regarding military aid after reports of the suspension.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) further reported that the **Trump** administration’s decision impacted weapons already stored in warehouses in Poland, meant for transfer to Ukraine. As of June 2024, U.S. military aid committed to Ukraine since the beginning of the **Biden** administration totals approximately $44.2 billion (U.S. Department of State).

Looking Ahead

The implications of this suspension remain unclear, but the incident underscores the complexities and potential divisions within the U.S. government regarding its support for Ukraine.