US Reduces Weapons Supply Due to Stockpile Concerns
"Ukraine's Lifeline": Criticism Mounts in Congress
Trump Says at NATO Summit, "Considering Supplying Patriots"
As the United States has suspended the delivery of weapons to Ukraine that had been promised by the previous Joe Biden administration, dozens of Patriot air defense missiles are among the weapons whose shipments have been halted, according to reports by the Associated Press and other outlets on July 2 (local time).
The Trump administration has decided to withhold the supply of certain weapons to Ukraine, which, according to multiple US officials, include Patriot missiles, precision-guided artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, ammunition, and other key weapons systems.
This measure was taken due to concerns that US military stockpiles have been excessively depleted. The US government has officially described the move as a "temporary suspension," according to the Associated Press.
At a briefing that day, Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "During the four years of the previous Biden administration, we transferred too many weapons without considering our own stockpiles," adding, "President Trump is emphasizing 'America First' and is focusing on restoring the nation's defense capabilities."
Previously, President Trump announced at last month's North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit that he would consider supplying additional Patriots to Ukraine. This was in response to a question from a BBC Ukraine reporter, whose husband serves in the Ukrainian military, asking whether the United States would provide more Patriots. However, he also acknowledged US needs by stating, "The United States needs them as well."
As Russian airstrikes on Ukraine continue, some analysts have warned that the US decision to halt weapons support could deal a severe blow to Ukraine. Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio emphasized, "US-made air defense systems, including the Patriot, are Ukraine's lifeline and life-saving weapons," adding, "There is no alternative means of defense."
There was also backlash from the Republican Party. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania pointed out, "We must both expand America's defense industrial base and support Ukraine in its fight for freedom," stressing, "It is unacceptable to fail to do both."
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