US halts military aid to Ukraine amid concerns over low US stockpiles

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US halts military aid to Ukraine amid concerns over low US stockpiles

2025-07-03 02:27 Last Updated At：16:17

The Trump administration has halted some military aid to Ukraine following a review of U.S. stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that "the 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."

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US halts military aid to Ukraine amid concerns over low US stockpiles

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US halts military aid to Ukraine amid concerns over low US stockpiles

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."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the review of the U.S. munitions stockpile last month.

Some U.S. media outlets are reporting that America's munitions stockpile has been dwindling rapidly as a result of its recent attacks on Yemen's Houthi group, weapons shipments to Israel, and its air strikes on targets in Iran.

The White House and the Pentagon did not disclose the type or the quantity of weapons covered by the suspension of deliveries.

Following the announcement, the interim U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine, John Ginkel, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the importance of continuing the delivery of previously allocated defense packages, especially those for strengthening Ukraine's air defenses, according to an online news report released by the ministry.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the fewer weapons are provided to Ukraine, the sooner the special military operation will end, according to a report on Wednesday. Peskov also said as far as the Russian side understands, the reason for this decision was empty warehouses and a lack of these weapons in the warehouses.

Trump says considering "winding down" strikes on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering "winding down" the U.S. military strikes against Iran, claiming the United States is "getting very close to" meeting its objectives.

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East" with respect to Iran, Trump said on Truth Social.

The objectives Trump outlined include degrading Iran's missile capabilities, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, preventing it from ever approaching nuclear capability and protecting U.S. allies across the region.

Also on Friday, Trump said that he does not want a ceasefire with Iran.

"We can have dialogue, but you know, I don't want to do a ceasefire," Trump told reporters before he departed the White House for Florida, noting "You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side."

"U.S. government says one thing, reality says another," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday on X, questioning White House's repeated claims that Iran's air defenses and Navy have been destroyed.

Trump on Truth Social also said that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy waterway, should be secured by the countries that rely on it and Washington would assist if asked.

"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated," Trump added.

The United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on Feb 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.