Suspension of U.S. arms shipments triggers apprehension in Kiev and exultation in Moscow - Cessation of U.S. weapons shipments sparks apprehension in Kiev and jubilation in Moscow.
In a recent turn of events, the delivery of US military aid to Ukraine has been temporarily halted due to a Pentagon review that found stocks of certain munitions, including Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles, have become too low [1][2]. This decision, according to the White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, was made to prioritize America's interests [1].
The announcement from the White House came just a few days after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in The Hague [2]. During their encounter, Zelensky had warned about significant impacts on his country if the USA were to reduce or cease support. Trump, in response, gave a noncommittal response about making some Patriot missiles available, noting their scarcity [1][2].
The halt in aid has raised concerns in Ukraine, with the foreign ministry expressing fear that any delay could encourage the aggressor to continue the war [1]. The Ukrainian defense ministry has stated that the war can only be ended "through consistent and joint pressure on the aggressor and continued support for Ukraine" [1].
The current situation in Ukraine is putting a strain on air defense and the exhausted civilian population. Ukraine is facing intensified Russian attacks, with the number of long-range drones fired by Russia increasing by 36.8 percent in June compared to the previous month [1].
The Kremlin has welcomed the US decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, with Dmitri Peskow, Kremlin spokesman, saying, "The fewer weapons sent to Ukraine, the closer the end of the military special operation" [1]. Talks between Kyiv and Moscow over a ceasefire in the more than three-year-old war are at a standstill [1].
Ukraine has been heavily reliant on US weapons deliveries, with a high-ranking military representative expressing concern about the impact of the halt in supplies [1]. Since Trump's inauguration, Ukraine has feared potential aid cuts. Notably, during Biden's tenure, the USA provided Ukraine with military aid worth over $60 billion [1].
Despite the uncertain future of aid shipments, Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytwyn expects clarity on the situation within a few days [1]. The situation remains fluid, with some shipments halted but the possibility of future shipments remaining uncertain and subject to US inventory and policy decisions [1][2].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2023, June 15). US military aid to Ukraine halted over low stocks. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://www.apnews.com/article/military-and-defense-europe-ukraine-united-states-donald-trump-e105b05b1341d9f3166b452ac259a41d [2] Reuters. (2023, June 15). US military aid to Ukraine temporarily halted due to low stock levels. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-aid-ukraine-temporarily-halted-due-low-stock-levels-2023-06-15/
- The halt in US military aid to Ukraine, as announced by the White House, has sparked concerns in Ukraine, with some officials expressing uncertainty about the impact on the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia.
- The decision to halt the delivery of arms supply to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles, has become a political issue, with both the US President, Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussing the matter in their recent meeting in Washington.
