The U.S. Pentagon has temporarily suspended shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile interceptors and 155 mm artillery shells, due to concerns over the depletion of U.S. munitions stocks. This decision was made by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, who cited a review of U.S. military reserves revealing critically low levels of essential ammunition. The move, described as a priority for national security, comes as Ukraine continues its defense against Russian attacks, with its air defenses already struggling under the strain of recent assaults.
Colby, a principal Trump defense official and architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, has long advocated for a strategic shift toward countering China, rather than continued involvement in Ukraine. Before rejoining the Pentagon, he led The Marathon Initiative and authored The Strategy of Denial, a widely cited blueprint for great power competition. The halt is seen as part of this broader shift, prioritizing the U.S. military’s immediate needs over ongoing support for Ukraine.
According to reports, the withheld arms include air defense munitions, precision-guided shells, and Hellfire missiles used by Ukrainian F-16s. A senior defense official told Politico that the Pentagon’s review revealed stockpiles of Patriot interceptors, precision-guided 155 mm shells, and other critical munitions had dropped to levels deemed insufficient to meet U.S. contingency plans. The Army has already quietly quadrupled its procurement targets for Patriot interceptors, but defense analysts say replenishment will take time.
Over the weekend, Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war, with nearly 500 drones and 60 missiles. Ukraine’s air defenses, many of which are U.S.-made, remain under significant strain. After meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the NATO summit, Trump indicated that the administration is exploring ways to make some of the withheld weapons available, stating,