Rutte comments on halt of critically important weapons supplies to Ukraine from US
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
Amid the halt in deliveries of critically important weapons to Ukraine from the United States, Kyiv will not be able to manage without all the possible support that Europe can provide, according to an interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the American television channel Fox News.
He said that in the short term, Ukraine could not do without all the support it could get in terms of ammunition and air defense systems.
Commenting on the matter, Rutte added that Europe intends to step up its support for Ukraine. In light of reports about a reduction in military aid to Kyiv from Washington, this is where efforts need to be focused.
Knife in the back? US halts deliveries of air defense missiles and ammunition
The first to report that the Pentagon is suspending certain shipments of precision munitions to Ukraine — including air defense missiles — was the reputable outlet Politico, citing sources.
The decision was made by Elbridge Colby, head of the Pentagon’s policy office and a longtime critic of US military support for Ukraine. The reason cited was an alleged "shortage" of these types of weapons within the United States itself.
Ukraine has not received any official notifications from the US regarding the suspension of deliveries. The Ministry of Defense has requested clarification from the Pentagon, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US Embassy’s chargé d'affaires for explanations.
Meanwhile, the White House has already confirmed the suspension of certain arms shipments to Ukraine. US media, citing White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, report that Washington has indeed halted the transfer of several types of weapons, including air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions.
