The Kremlin has welcomed the US decision to suspend certain arms deliveries to Ukraine, framing it as a step toward ending Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry on the halt by saying: “As far as we understand, the reason for the decision was empty warehouses – but the fewer weapons supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the ‘special military operation.’”
Previously, Russia demanded that Ukraine surrender all Western-supplied weapons as part of a proposed ceasefire, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Izvestia.
“All these weapons must be destroyed,” Grushko stated. “There are international procedures for this – they should be reduced, disposed of, and placed under control.”
He claimed that Western-supplied arms pose a long-term threat, drawing a comparison to US Stinger missiles sent to Afghan fighters in the 1980s, which later surfaced on global black markets.
Peskov’s remarks follow Washington’s pause on key air defense and precision weapons shipments allegedly due to concerns about reduced US stockpiles – a move expected to complicate Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s relentless assault.
The White House has halted shipments of critical air defense and precision-guided weapons to Ukraine amid alleged rising concerns about overly low US ammunition stockpiles, according to Politico and NBC News.
The pause comes as Ukraine faces a surge in Russian airstrikes. A Pentagon review reportedly found shortages in Patriot air defense missiles, guided bombs, Hellfire missiles, and artillery shells – many of which are crucial to Ukraine’s defense.
While the Pentagon has not commented, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the decision, saying it was based on a Defense Department assessment and intended to prioritize US national security.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to have signed the order delaying shipments following an internal audit of US ammunition reserves. Deliveries may remain on hold until the review is complete.
This marks the second major freeze on US military aid to Ukraine under President Donald Trump. In March, the administration temporarily suspended weapons and intelligence support, which was later partially restored after Ukraine agreed to a US-proposed ceasefire.
At last week’s NATO summit, Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s request for more air defense systems but said the weapons are in short supply, adding that Washington would “see what we can do.”
Pentagon sources say competing global demands, including support for US forces and allies like Israel, are contributing to the delay. For now, Ukrainian troops are facing intensified Russian attacks with fewer Western munitions arriving on the front lines.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said it has not received official notification of a halt or delay in US military aid and is seeking clarification following reports of paused shipments.
“The Ukrainian side has taken note of reports about delays in supplying certain parts of the previously allocated US defense aid packages and is verifying the actual circumstances of these shipments,” the ministry said.
Officials said they are reviewing each element of the aid and have requested talks with US counterparts. The statement also urged the public to rely on official sources amid speculation.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned US Embassy Deputy Chief John Ginkel to emphasize the “critical importance” of continued military support, warning that “any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine’s defense will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war.”
