Pentagon chief halts arms deliveries to Ukraine

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegset has unilaterally decided to suspend deliveries of certain types of weapons to Ukraine, reports nbcnews.com. According to the source, this marks Hegset’s third independent decision of this kind.

Previously, in February and May, Hegset also ordered halting military aid to Kyiv, but those decisions were reversed after a few days. This time, U.S. lawmakers and several European ally nations tried to overturn his decision, but the White House defended the Pentagon chief.

Washington’s official explanation cites shortages in its arms inventory. However, nbcnews.com sources note that analyses conducted by senior military officials did not find any serious shortages in weapon supplies.

It is reported that Hegset’s decision surprised the State Department, U.S. Congress members, Ukrainian officials, and American allies in Europe.

According to official statements, as of July 2, deliveries of certain types of weapons to Ukraine were paused. These include dozens of Patriot air defense systems, thousands of 155 mm artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and other armaments. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce says the U.S. will continue military assistance to Ukraine, excluding the suspended missiles and air-defense systems.

Experts believe this decision could carry significant strategic consequences for Ukraine. It remains to be seen, in the coming days, how U.S.–Ukraine military cooperation will evolve. The situation has sparked broad international debate. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!