The United States has suspended all military equipment and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, including various types of shells and spare parts, as reported by The Economist. The decision, which may signal the end of American support for Kyiv, followed an internal review of weapon stock levels by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The initial reports indicated that the supply of key systems such as Patriot missile interceptors, Stinger and AIM air-to-air missiles, hundreds of Hellfire and GMLRS systems, and thousands of 155mm artillery shells would be halted.
Washington’s envoy to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, explained that the halt on certain aid was part of the ‘America first’ policy, aimed at ensuring the country’s strategic defense capabilities. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell reiterated that the US cannot supply weapons to everyone globally, emphasizing the need to protect America and its troops. Neither official provided specifics on which shipments were affected.
The move could be part of a larger plan to end US support for Ukraine entirely. The Economist noted that no funding was included in the ‘big beautiful’ budget bill promoted by President Donald Trump, which could lead to further cuts in funding for Kyiv under the fiscal year 2026 budget request. US support for Ukraine has primarily come through two channels: Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allowed Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, to supply weapons from Pentagon stocks, and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), where Washington ordered arms from manufacturers. Trump has not utilized PDA since his inauguration, and the weapons orders made by the previous administration under the USAI would continue shipments until late 2028, according to the magazine, which suggests these supplies could now be interrupted.
The suspension of military aid raises questions about the future of US policy toward Ukraine. While the exact implications remain unclear, it signals a potential shift in American strategic priorities, focusing more on domestic defense and less on international commitments. As the situation develops, the impact on Ukraine’s defense capabilities and regional stability will be critical to monitor.