Why Washington halted weapons supplies to Ukraine: Explanation of US Ambassador to NATO
Photo: Matthew Whitaker, US Ambassador to NATO (flickr by Aizsardzības ministrija)
The United States has paused the transfer of weapons to Ukraine to take care of its own needs. Washington wants to be prepared for defense, stated US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.
"I think the most important thing to know is this is what America First looks like. We have to take care of the United States' needs," he said.
According to Whitaker, the Pentagon continuously provides the United States with the strategic defense capabilities needed to project power.
"We have to make sure that we have enough Patriot missiles and enough air defense, and all the things that we need to ensure our own success on the battlefield, wherever that battlefield might be," he added.
US Ambassador to NATO recalled that everyone saw the capabilities of the US when B-2 bombers dropped precision-guided bombs on Iran to destroy nuclear facilities.
Therefore, Whitaker added, the US needs to ensure that it has everything necessary at any time to conduct deterrence and defend itself.
Pause in US weapons supplies
Earlier, the media reported that the US has put on hold shipments of missiles for Ukraine’s air defense systems, as well as artillery shells.
Later, The New York Times noted that this includes missiles for Patriot air defense systems. These are critically important for Ukraine as they can intercept ballistic missiles.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said there have been no official notifications about the suspension of supplies. At the same time, they promised to clarify all the details.
