We can't give weapons to everybody: Pentagon spokesperson on Ukraine aid halt

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the US has halted some weapons shipments to Ukraine to review stockpiles and defence priorities, as Russia claims the pause brings it closer to victory.

In Short

• Pentagon pauses some weapons shipments to Ukraine for internal review
• Pause linked to concerns over US stockpile depletion
• Decision made by Pentagon policy chief after inventory check

The Pentagon has paused certain weapons shipments to Ukraine as part of an internal review of US military aid and its alignment with national defence priorities, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Wednesday. He declined to specify what weapons would be withheld but stressed that the pause does not reflect any concerns about the military's ability to defend US interests.

“We’re always assessing, you know, our munitions and where we’re sending them,” Parnell told reporters. “We can’t give weapons to everybody all around the world.”

According to a Politico report, the decision, driven by concerns over shrinking US stockpiles of artillery, air defence missiles, and precision-guided munitions, was made by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby following an inventory review. The move reflects growing caution about depleting critical reserves.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the shift was intended “to put America’s interests first.”
Russia claimed the US paused arms shipments to Ukraine because its weapons stockpiles are depleted. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said fewer weapons for Ukraine means Russia is closer to ending its "special military operation."

The recent Russian airstrikes using waves of drones and missiles have killed dozens across Ukrainian cities, intensifying concerns in Kyiv after the US paused some weapons shipments. According to Reuters, Ukraine summoned the acting US envoy in Kyiv to stress the urgent need for continued American military aid.

“The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” the foreign ministry said.

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