The United States is suspending certain promised arms shipments to Ukraine due to concerns over depleted stockpiles, according to senior officials, a decision that marks a significant shift under President Donald Trump’s administration and poses a setback for Kyiv amid intensified Russian attacks.
Munitions previously pledged under President Joe Biden’s tenure have now been paused following a Pentagon review of US military reserves. Officials concluded that certain critical weapons systems were too low in supply to be sent abroad without compromising national security.
“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,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned, just ask Iran.” The remark referenced Trump’s recent missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
While the Department of Defence has not publicly detailed which specific weapons are being withheld, a US official speaking anonymously confirmed that pending deliveries of several items have been suspended.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasised the continued strength of the US military: “America’s military has never been more ready and more capable.” He also pointed to a sweeping tax cut and defence spending bill currently advancing through Congress, designed to modernise America’s weapons systems and enhance preparedness against emerging global threats.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has provided more than $66 billion in military aid. The halt, however, comes at a time when Russia has stepped up its bombing campaign, carrying out some of the most intense aerial strikes since the war began. Peace negotiations, long promoted by President Trump, have stalled.
The decision to pause the shipments was first reported by Politico.
Trump meets president of Ukraine
At last week’s NATO summit, President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and left open the possibility of sending additional US-made Patriot air defence missile systems, which Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested.
“They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots,” Trump told reporters. “And we’re going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. We’re supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective, 100% effective.”
These remarks signal a broader shift within the administration, which has gradually distanced itself from the level of military support seen during the previous presidency.
In June, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before lawmakers that he had curtailed what he described as “wasteful programmes” and was reallocating funds to support the administration’s core strategic aims. He argued that a negotiated peace between Ukraine and Russia projects strength for the United States, even as Moscow remains the aggressor.
“The defence budget reflects the reality that Europe needs to step up more for the defence of its own continent. And President Trump deserves the credit for that,” Hegseth said.
