A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv yesterday that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying air strikes and battlefield advances.
Ukraine said it had called in the acting US envoy to Kyiv to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and cautioned that any cut-off would embolden Russia in its war in Ukraine.
The Pentagon’s decision – tied to concerns that US military stockpiles are too low – began in recent days and includes 30 Patriot air defence missiles, which Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, four people familiar with the decision said yesterday. It also includes nearly 8,500 155mm artillery shells, more than 250 precision GMLRS (mobile rocket artillery) missiles and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, they said.
“The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine’s defence capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” Ukraine’s foreign ministry said.
Deputy White House Press secretary Anna Kelly said the decision was made “to put America’s interests first” following a Department of Defence review of military support around the world. “The strength of the US Armed Forces remains unquestioned – just ask Iran,” she said, referring to US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last month.
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