US may redirect weapons intended for Ukraine to Middle East
Pentagon (photo: Wikimedia, by Touch Of Light)
The US is considering redirecting military aid intended for Ukraine to the Middle East, reports The Washington Post.
The publication notes that such a decision may be related to the fact that Washington is using up stocks of some of the most critical munitions in the war in the Middle East.
Three WP sources said that the weapons the US may redirect include interceptor missiles for air defense systems ordered under the PURL program. This program envisions the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine using funds from other NATO member countries.
The Pentagon stated that it will "ensure that US forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win," but did not provide any further comments.
Rapid US ammunition consumption
Since the start of the US and Israel operation in Iran, European capitals have been concerned that Washington is rapidly depleting ammunition.
Two European diplomats told the publication that the high rate of fire could delay European orders and disrupt deliveries to Ukraine under PURL.
"They (the US - ed.) are really burning through munitions, so there are questions now about how much they will keep providing through the deal," one diplomat said.
Among the most in-demand munitions in the Middle East conflict are interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. They are also critically important for Ukraine, which is facing constant Russian strikes.
PURL weapons deliveries
A source familiar with Pentagon internal calculations said that deliveries under PURL will likely continue, but future batches may not include air defense systems.
"The policy debate is how much you give to Ukraine. This is a real-life discussion," another source emphasized.
One US official stated that the Pentagon may redirect deliveries in case of urgent military need but would have to notify lawmakers.
According to a report sent by the Pentagon to Congress, the US Department of Defense used part of PURL funds for other needs that lawmakers had planned to finance through US funds under USAI.
At the same time, it remains unclear whether the Pentagon used PURL funding in addition to or instead of funds already approved for supplying such weapons.
Two US officials noted that on March 23, the Pentagon informed Congress that it intends to redirect about $750 million in PURL funding to replenish its own stockpiles rather than provide aid to Ukraine.
One official added that it is unclear whether EU countries participating in the initiative understand how exactly these funds are being used.
Patriot in Ukraine
In the first days of the Middle East conflict, Israel and its allies used about 800 Patriot missiles against Iran. At the same time, Ukraine has received only 600 such missiles over the entire course of the war.
Last month, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that due to a critical shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, Ukrainian launchers in January remained empty and were unable to repel Russian ballistic strikes.
