Rubio says U.S. continues arms supplies to Ukraine but holds off on new aid packages

He made this statement during a hearing at the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was broadcast by Reuters.

Rubio noted that while the United States has continued supplying weapons, there is currently no decision on providing new aid packages to Ukraine.

He also said that “the essence of the conflict” between Russia and Ukraine is that Moscow is claiming what does not belong to it and has no right to, while Kyiv is trying to reclaim what is rightfully its own—something that, in his view, cannot be achieved militarily.

Rubio on Patriot systems for Ukraine

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is working with NATO member states to find additional batteries for the Patriot air defense systems to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.

“The United States is working with NATO partners to locate additional Patriot missile defense batteries for Ukraine,” he said.

War in Ukraine distracts from "larger threats"

Marco Rubio remarked that, in the view of the United States, the war in Ukraine is diverting attention and funds from Western efforts to deter “greater threats” in Asia.

“The U.S. believes the conflict in Ukraine is diverting Western focus and resources from deterring ‘larger threats’ in Asia,” the Secretary of State said.

• As of May 4, two of the eight Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine’s arsenal were undergoing repairs.
   
• On May 20, it was reported that the majority of Americans support continued military aid to Ukraine from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.