English
Russia-Ukraine war: In a significant move amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the United States administration, led by US President Donald Trump has halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of US own stockpiles. The move comes as multiple US media outlets reported that US military stockpiles are falling below normal levels and as a consequence, the United States has taken the decision, the White House and Pentagon confirmed.
Notably, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering a review of the US stockpile of munitions last month after US helped Ukraine with military aid.
“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.
According to media reports, the much-talked review of the US military determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged.
Elbridge Colby, the Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said the Pentagon will continue “to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end.”
“At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities,” Colby said in a statement.
As per a report carried by news agency IANS, some analysts suggest it is a signal that the Trump administration may further reduce aid to Ukraine. Hegseth skipped a meeting last month of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. It is the first time the US defence secretary was not in attendance.
Readers should note that the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military assistance since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, according to a report.
(With inputs from agencies)
