U.S. Halts Ukraine Arms Shipments, Kyiv Seeks Alternatives
Pentagon Cites Low Stockpiles as Ukraine Plans Joint Weapons Production
The Pentagon has paused some shipments of air defense missiles, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles to Ukraine due to depleted U.S. stockpiles, sources confirmed on July 1, 2025. The decision, following a Department of Defense review, prioritizes U.S. military readiness, said White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, noting it was made “to put America’s interests first.” The halt affects munitions promised under the Biden administration, with no new aid announced under President Donald Trump.
Ukraine, caught off-guard, summoned U.S. chargé d’affaires John Hinkel on July 2, stressing that delays “would only encourage the aggressor,” per the foreign ministry. Kyiv’s defense ministry reported no official notification of the suspension. A senior Ukrainian military official told AFP, “We are now seriously dependent on American arms supplies,” highlighting the challenge as European allies struggle to replace U.S.-made HIMARS and Patriot systems.
Russia, controlling roughly a fifth of Ukraine, has intensified attacks, launching nearly twice as many missiles and 30% more drones in June compared to May, per AFP’s analysis. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed reduced aid “will help end the conflict faster.” Meanwhile, Ukraine is countering the shortfall by planning joint weapons production with allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced urgent meetings with EU partners to discuss “joint investments, joint projects.” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said draft legislation for a legal and tax framework to boost production will reach parliament this month. Germany, with defense industry representatives, pledged support during a Kyiv visit.
European nations have outpaced U.S. military aid since June 2022, contributing €72 billion ($85 billion) compared to the U.S.’s €65 billion ($77 billion), according to Germany’s Kiel Institute. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a July 1 call with Vladimir Putin, reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, urging a ceasefire. Trump, pushing for peace talks, met Zelenskyy at a NATO summit, saying of Patriot missiles, “We’re going to see if we can make some available. They’re very hard to get.”
Sources for this article: Reuters, ABC News, Insider Paper, Insider Paper.