Ukraine braces for US missile supply freeze but keeps backup stock

"Look, it is premature to say that the Ukrainian side has official confirmation at this time. We only have a statement from the White House Press Secretary. I believe our diplomats will get involved in this process. We expect to receive complete official information soon about what decision has been made and exactly which types of equipment have been restricted," Venislavskyi said.

He also assessed the severity of the issue of freezing supplies from the US — specifically missiles for air defense — for Ukraine.

"Any restrictions on supplies of equipment that are very important for us are certainly negative," Venislavskyi noted.

However, he said the Ukrainian authorities, understanding the risks of current international-political realities, have worked out various options to minimize negative consequences for Ukraine.

"This includes such a scenario. Ukraine has a certain reserve of capabilities. I think our diplomats, the Ministry of Defense, the Office of the President, and parliamentary diplomacy need to engage to ensure that we continue receiving supplies from the US," Venislavskyi explained.

He clarified that this particularly concerns types of weapons available only from the United States, such as missiles for the Patriot system. Venislavskyi also added that the Ukrainian side will try to minimize all risks through joint efforts, "and then we will see."

White House confirms halt of missile and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine

The first report that the Pentagon is halting some deliveries of precision-guided munitions to Ukraine, including air defense missiles, came from the authoritative publication Politico, citing sources.

The article states that the decision was made by Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, after reviewing existing stockpiles. The halt reportedly stems from concerns about US weapons reserves.

According to Politico, the decision was agreed upon back in June but only took effect now, while Ukraine is repelling massive Russian missile and drone attacks. This move has raised concerns among Ukraine's allies in Congress, who believe it makes the country more vulnerable to air strikes.

US media reports that the halted weapons supplies include:

• dozens of Patriot missile interceptors;
• thousands of 155 mm high-explosive artillery shells;
• more than 100 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles;
• over 250 GMLRS precision-guided rockets;
• dozens of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles, and grenade launchers.

Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed the halt of some weapons deliveries to Ukraine. American media, citing White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly, report that Washington has indeed halted shipments of several types of weapons, including missiles for air defense systems and precision munitions.

According to her, the decision was made to "put America's interests first" after the Pentagon reviewed its own stockpiles and support commitments to other countries.

At the same time, as Axios quotes Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon continues to provide President Donald Trump with "robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine."

"At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces' readiness for Administration defense priorities," he said.

As a reminder, in March of this year, when a dispute occurred between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, the United States halted military aid to Ukraine that had been approved by the previous Joe Biden administration. Intelligence sharing with Ukraine was also halted.

The Trump administration explained this move as an attempt to pressure the Ukrainian government into agreeing to a deal that was supposed to end the war. However, both pauses were later lifted.