Pentagon's pause on weapons for Ukraine lifted, officials confirm
The weapons being sent include 155 mm artillery shells and precision-guided rockets called GMLRS, according to two officials who spoke anonymously because the information hadn't been made public. It's not clear exactly when the shipments began moving again.
Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a pause on some weapon deliveries so the Pentagon could check how much it had left in stock. The White House was surprised by this decision.
However, a White House official said that there was no "pause" but rather a review to ensure that the aid complies with U.S. military plans. The Pentagon never officially announced a pause.
Still, during a press briefing last week, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said he couldn't share details about which weapons were paused or when they would be delivered. He said the president and the defense secretary would make those decisions.
The pause affected several weapons, including Patriot missiles, GMLRS rockets, Hellfire missiles, and Howitzer ammunition. This surprised not only Ukraine and U.S. allies but also some U.S. lawmakers and even other departments in the Trump administration, like the State Department.
It's still unclear if Patriot missile shipments are on hold. These missiles are very expensive—about US$4 million each—and are in high demand. One was used recently to protect a U.S. base in Qatar from an Iranian missile attack.
President Trump said this week that the U.S. would keep sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. But when reporters asked who ordered the pause, he gave mixed answers. On July 9, he said, "I will know if a decision is made. I'd probably be the one to give the order, but I haven't yet." The day before, he said, "I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"
According to people familiar with the situation, Trump was upset with the Pentagon for announcing the pause without checking with the White House first. The Pentagon denied that Hegseth acted alone, saying the plan was discussed across the government and meant to help the president decide on military aid.
Meanwhile, Russia has stepped up its air attacks on Ukraine, including the biggest drone strike in one night since the war began three years ago, Ukrainian officials said.
Trump also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, "He's not treating people right… too many are dying." That, Trump said, was why he approved sending more defensive weapons to Ukraine.
The 155 mm artillery shells are some of the most used in the war. They're about 2 feet long, weigh 100 pounds, and are fired from large guns called Howitzers. These can hit targets up to 15 to 20 miles away.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has sent over three million 155 mm shells and more than $67 billion in weapons and military aid.
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Interestingly, there is a chart gap on August feeders that would be filled when that contract reaches $284.250. After such action, what wasn't expected was the returning strength on Friday, which finished as an inside chart day, lower high and higher low. Feeders closed $4.00+ higher while Fed cattle closed nearly $3.00 higher. Fed cash cattle trade re-surfaced topping out the week at $230 in Texas and Kansas and $241 in Nebraska. Wow! What is going to break this market? Consumer strength, but will it ever weaken? Broader ICE raids on packing plants? The Trump Administration reminded us all this week that agricultural workers are not exempt from deportation. And yet the market continues to chop higher. We've said it before and these prices are even more phenomenal than they were last time we said it, but these are $8.00 corn prices, $20.00 soybean prices and $12.00 wheat prices only in the cattle complex. The higher value of cattle makes the cost of put options and LRP higher, but it may be well worth paying the premium and keep the upside open than keeping pace with the short-term margin squeeze of hedges. Even more important than that is to keep them alive and focus on animal health as losing one may take 5+ head to make up for. Sidwell Strategies is the one-stop shop to protect cattle with futures, puts, LRP or a combination of all, which is probably the best strategy overall. If you're ready to trade commodity markets, give me a call at (580) 232-2272 or stop by my office to get your account set up and discuss risk management and marketing solutions to pursue your objectives. Self-trading accounts are also available. It is never too late to start and there is no operation too small to get a risk management and marketing plan in place. Wishing everyone a successful trading week! Let us know if you'd like to join our daily market price and commentary text messages to stay informed! Brady Sidwell is a Series 3 Licensed Commodity Futures Broker and Principal of Sidwell Strategies. He can be reached at (580) 232-2272 or at brady@ Futures and Options trading involves the risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Review full disclaimer at
