WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The White House said Tuesday it is halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration for Kyiv’s battle against the Russian invasion.
Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid including air defense systems likely would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia’s largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war.
“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a DoD (Department of Defense) review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Agence France-Presse in an email.
The curtailment of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of US President Donald Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks.
The Republican has moved on to playing a greater role in orchestrating a possible ceasefire in Gaza and toning down Iran-Israel tensions after a deadly 12-day conflict between the arch foes.
The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid.
Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back.
Michael McFaul, who was the US ambassador to Russia from 2012 until just before the Crimea conflict began in 2014, said on X: “The Trump administration is even stopping delivery of Patriots? So disgusting and embarrassing as the ‘leader of the free world.’ I guess we are done with that.”