US slowed Weapons Shipments to Ukraine Amid Fears of Depleted Stockpiles
KYIV, Ukraine – The United States paused and slowed shipments of critical weaponry to Ukraine this summer, citing a need to prioritize American interests and concerns about depleting its own military stockpiles, according to a report by the Financial Times and confirmed by US and Ukrainian officials.
The delayed shipments included Pac-3 interceptors for Patriot air defense systems, Stinger man-portable air defense systems, precision-guided artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire and Aim missiles, and F-16 fighter jets. The White House confirmed the halt in July, stating the decision was made to ”put America’s interests first.”
The shortfall in supplies coincided with a period of escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure throughout the summer, forcing Kyiv’s forces to expend significant ammunition reserves.
A White House official disputed reports of depriving Ukraine of air defense munitions, asserting the Department of Defense is actively working to meet Ukraine’s needs. The official also urged European allies to increase both military aid to Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia.
The issue of Ukraine’s defenses comes as russia launched its largest barrage of the war to date over the weekend, firing 810 drones and decoys and 13 missiles. The attacks killed at least four civilians, including a mother and her 2-month-old baby, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Further strikes on Monday resulted in at least 24 deaths among civilians waiting to collect pensions in eastern Ukraine, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
