U.S. halts shipments of some air defense missiles and shells to Ukraine

This was reported by Politico, citing sources.

According to three sources, the decision came from Elbridge Colby, head of the Pentagon’s political office. It followed an inspection that showed falling reserves of artillery shells, anti-aircraft missiles, and other guided munitions. The initial call to pause shipments was made in early June, but it's only now being implemented.

The move comes as Ukraine fends off intense Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other cities.

Politico said the Pentagon and White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Sources cited by NBC News listed the suspended weapons as:

• dozens of Patriot interceptor missiles;
• thousands of 155mm high-explosive shells for howitzers;
• over 100 Hellfire missiles;
• more than 250 GMLRS precision missiles;
• dozens of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles, and grenade launchers.

Some of the shipments were already in the region but were halted before reaching Ukraine, the sources said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the pause over fears of depleting U.S. military stockpiles, according to NBC, citing sources in the Pentagon and Congress.

The decision came weeks after Hegseth issued a memo launching an audit of U.S. ammunition reserves. Stocks may have been drained by extended shipments to Ukraine and U.S. operations in the Middle East over the past two years.

Two Pentagon officials and two members of Congress said the pause could remain in place until the audit wraps up. If supplies are found lacking or are needed elsewhere, deliveries to Ukraine may face further delays.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CBS News that the decision was made to put America's interests first following a Defense Department review of U.S. military support abroad.

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