A vital shipment of weapons destined for Ukraine was suspended this week by the Pentagon, citing low levels of American military stocks.
The decision surprised diplomats, congressmen, European allies, and officials in Kiev.
NBC spoke with three American officials who claim that an internal analysis conducted by military officers found that military aid to Ukraine would not jeopardize the operational capacity of the American military. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally decided to halt the delivery for the third time this year.
Essential Weapons for Ukraine's Defense Blocked in Europe
The suspended shipment included Patriot interceptor missiles, Hellfire missiles, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), Stinger surface-to-air missiles, 155mm artillery shells, and AIM missiles for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.
Some of these weapons were already in Poland, loaded onto trucks, ready for delivery to Kiev, according to two defense sources for NBC.
Amid escalating Russian attacks, Ukraine had made urgent appeals to Washington to obtain anti-aircraft defense systems. Last weekend, Russia launched the largest aerial attack since the war began, with 60 missiles and 477 drones targeting Ukrainian cities.
Discontent in Congress and Pressure for Resuming Deliveries
The decision to halt the delivery has sparked strong reactions from both parties in the US Congress.
Democrat Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the Pentagon's rationale, stating that it is "dishonest" to invoke the US military's capacity as justification when the data does not indicate a real danger to American weapon stocks.
"We are not at a lower point than in the last 3 and a half years of war," Smith said after analyzing the data.
On the other hand, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting urgent information on the suspension of aid to Ukraine. "It is possible to protect our own armed forces and, at the same time, provide essential weapons to Ukraine," he said.
A Controversial Decision Made Three Times in a Row
This is the third time Pete Hegseth has blocked such a shipment without prior consultations with Congress or even the rest of the administration.
In previous cases, in February and May, the orders were rescinded within a few days following public and political pressure, NBC recalls.
High-ranking officials at the Pentagon, such as Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, supported the suspension of aid. Colby has long advocated for reducing US engagement in Ukraine and strategic realignment towards the Pacific amid tensions with China.
White House: Suspension is Part of a Review Process
The Trump administration defended the Pentagon's decision, stating that it is part of a broader review of American assistance to allies and partners launched last month.
The Pentagon conducted an assessment of ammunition stocks, and while it found declines in some categories — including high-precision ammunition — the levels were not deemed critical.
"We can't send weapons everywhere in the world," said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. "Our role is to provide the president with a clear framework on stocks and risks."
International Pressure and Calls for Swift Action
European allies and officials in Kiev are calling for the urgent resumption of deliveries, especially as the Russian army continues to attack civilian infrastructure. Just yesterday, for example, Russian forces used 550 drones and missiles. Kiev was the main target of this wave of strikes, which included over 330 Shahed drones, Iskander ballistic missiles, and a Kinjal aeroballistic missile.
In the absence of a steady flow of Western arms, Ukraine risks losing ground on the frontlines and becoming vulnerable to the intensifying Russian offensive.
"We cannot let Putin win now. It's time to show that our words carry weight, and that means sending the arms already approved by Congress," wrote Republican Michael McCaul on social media.
At this moment, the future of the aid package remains uncertain. Congress could legislatively intervene to force the delivery, but each day of delay risks serious consequences on the battlefield in Ukraine.