US freezes key Ukraine weapons shipments as Russia intensifies barrages
Further deliveries of air defence missiles and other precision munitions halted over low stockpiles
The Trump administration said it was halting the transfer of artillery rounds and air defences to Ukraine, depriving the country of much-needed weapons as it endures stepped-up missile and drone attacks from Russia.
The White House confirmed a Politico report on the stoppage, which said the move came after a review of US munitions stockpiles and amid concerns they had fallen too low.
Among the weapons that were being paused are 155mm artillery shells, Stinger shoulder-fired missiles, Patriots and Hellfire missiles, PBS Newshour’s Nick Schifrin reported.
“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in an emailed statement confirming the report. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned – just ask Iran.”
The decision comes as Ukraine struggles to repel large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes across the country.