US paused Ukraine arms shipments over Patriot missile shortage — The Guardian
Illustrative photo: The US suspended arms shipments to Ukraine due to a shortage of Patriot missiles (GettyImages)
The United States has about 25% of the Patriot air defense missile stockpiles remaining that are needed for the Pentagon’s military plans, The Guardian reports.
According to the outlet, the depletion of the stockpiles led to the suspension of supplies to Ukraine. In particular, the reduction in Patriot missile stockpiles raised concerns at the Pentagon that it could jeopardize potential US military operations.
As The Guardian notes, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg ordered a pause in shipments while the department reviewed where the weapons were being sent.
Sources told the outlet that the Trump administration began reviewing the stockpiles of Patriot missiles and other munitions around February. The US later redeployed additional air defense systems to the Middle East and in June conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Guardian reports that around 30 Patriot missiles were fired to intercept Iran’s retaliatory strike.
Military aid to Ukraine
The United States has temporarily paused the delivery of air defense missiles and other munitions to Ukraine. According to reports, Kyiv was informed of this decision in advance.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified on July 8 that the pause is temporary and linked to a standard Pentagon procedure - reviewing existing weapon stockpiles.
At the same time, Donald Trump stated that the US would continue to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons, as, in his words, the attacks on Ukrainian territory are ongoing. The Pentagon issued a statement confirming that the United States would send additional weapons to Ukraine as part of its military aid package.
Today, Axios reported that Trump likely promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Patriot missiles. Trump pledged to immediately send 10 Patriot systems. However, this is fewer than what was planned in the paused shipment. He also promised to help find alternative supply solutions.
