The Pentagon has temporarily stopped sending certain air defense missiles and precision weapons to Ukraine due to low stock levels, according to sources familiar with the decision. This slowdown affects some of the weapons promised by the previous US administration.
Among the delayed shipments are air defense interceptors, which Ukraine uses to defend against Russian drones and missile attacks. The move comes as the Pentagon reviews how to balance ongoing support for Ukraine with maintaining US military readiness.
In a statement, Pentagon official Elbridge Colby said the department is offering President Donald Trump options to continue aid to Ukraine while adapting its approach to meet defense priorities. However, no new official policy has been announced yet.
Russia continues its military advances, controlling about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. Recent weeks have seen increased fighting in the southeastern regions of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, along with more frequent air attacks across Ukraine.
Earlier this year, the US briefly paused all weapons shipments in February and again for a longer period in March. The current administration resumed aid deliveries approved by the Biden administration but is now reassessing its support.
This pause raises concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself as the conflict stretches on. The Pentagon’s careful balancing act highlights the challenges of supporting Ukraine while managing limited US military resources.