The Pentagon has temporarily halted certain military aid to Ukraine, citing concerns about the depletion of U.S. munitions stockpiles. The move is part of a broader “capability review” aimed at ensuring American defense resources align with national security priorities, according to Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell.
Speaking at a July 2 briefing, Parnell emphasized that while aid is being reassessed, the U.S. military retains the capacity to conduct any mission globally. However, he declined to specify which weapon systems are affected or the duration of the pause.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the review in a video posted to X on the same day, stating that both countries were working to “clarify all the details of defense support, including air defense.” Ukraine’s foreign minister warned during a meeting with U.S. Embassy officials in Kyiv that any delays could embolden Russia to escalate hostilities rather than pursue peace.
Reports suggest that the paused shipments may include dozens of Patriot interceptor missiles, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and more than 250 GMLRS precision-guided rockets. Despite the pause, the U.S. remains the largest military backer of Ukraine, having provided approximately $66.9 billion in assistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This includes three Patriot systems, 12 NASAMS units, more than 3,000 Stinger missiles, and over 3 million rounds of 155mm artillery.
The latest announcement follows the State Department’s June 30 decision to request Congressional approval for $510 million in additional munitions support equipment. It remains unclear whether the Pentagon’s review will affect other military aid programs, such as the $3.4 billion in annual missile defense support provided to Israel.
Mounting Strain on U.S. Arsenal
The review comes amid rising concern in Washington over the impact of sustained military support for both Ukraine and Israel on U.S. stockpiles. The recent 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, coupled with ongoing engagements in Ukraine and U.S. responses to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, has placed extraordinary pressure on missile and interceptor supplies.
Jon Ludwigson, director at the Government Accountability Office, noted that the current consumption rate of munitions is unprecedented in recent memory. Admiral James Kilby, Chief of Naval Operations, testified in May that many U.S. munition inventories remain below required levels.
Kilby also revealed that the U.S. Navy is depleting its SM-3 interceptors—used to neutralize ballistic missile threats—at an “alarming rate.” These systems were notably deployed to defend Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during a recent Iranian missile attack launched in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
According to defense officials, the U.S. has spent approximately $2.3 billion on munitions related to operations in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and defensive measures in the Red Sea.
Strains Extend to Allies
Israel, in particular, has significantly drawn down its interceptor reserves during its recent engagement with Iran. Experts warn that if the U.S. chooses to replenish Israel’s missile defense systems, it may have to pull from its own limited supplies.
Brendan Buck, a fellow at the Cato Institute, told USA TODAY that replenishing allied systems could put further strain on U.S. readiness. The situation reflects the broader challenge facing American defense planners as they try to balance global commitments with domestic preparedness.
As the Pentagon’s capability review continues, both Ukrainian and U.S. officials stress the importance of maintaining robust support to deter further aggression and maintain strategic stability.