Ukraine has issued a strong warning after the U.S. paused shipments of vital weapons, including 30 Patriot air defense missiles and thousands of artillery shells, citing concerns over low military stockpiles. Kyiv stressed the decision could severely weaken its ability to counter intensifying Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances.
The Pentagon's halt includes 8,500 155mm shells, 250 GMLRS precision rockets, and 142 Hellfire missiles. A Ukrainian official described the move as a "total shock," while the foreign ministry said any delay in aid "only encourages the aggressor to continue war and terror."
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly defended the decision, saying it was made to “put America’s interests first,” following a global review of military support. The Pentagon added it is still evaluating ways to continue support without compromising U.S. readiness.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged the need to manage U.S. stockpiles but said Ukraine "cannot do without all the support it can get" in the short term. Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned the halt undermines U.S. credibility and sends dangerous signals to adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea.
Russian forces have recently escalated airstrikes, killing dozens and gaining ground in eastern Ukraine. On the front lines, the halt in precision munitions could limit Ukraine’s ability to strike deep Russian targets, potentially costing both lives and territory.
Although President Trump recently suggested he may sell more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, no new aid has been confirmed since his administration resumed shipments authorized under President Biden. Meanwhile, the Kremlin welcomed the pause, saying it could hasten the end of the conflict.
Ukrainians are alarmed, fearing reduced air defenses. "If there’s no protection, I’ll have to leave Kyiv," said resident Oksana Kurochkina.