Ukraine trying to bypass US weapons freeze
US media outlets reported earlier this week that supplies of Patriot missile interceptors – touted as important in repelling Russian strikes – as well as GMLRS rockets, Hellfire missiles, and thousands of 155mm artillery shells have been put on hold. NBC noted that some US cargo had already reached Europe but was being withheld from transfer to Ukrainian forces.
US officials later confirmed the development, portraying it as part of the 'America first' policy and stating that the country must maintain its weapons stockpiles to ensure 'our own success on the battlefield.'
The freeze 'blindsided top Ukrainian officials' and has prompted Kiev to ask Washington 'to let Europe purchase US weapons for Ukraine,' several Politico sources claimed. 'We don't have a choice,' an unnamed Ukrainian official added.
Several European countries are reportedly reviewing potential purchases. However, the weapons transfers would still require US approval, one person told Politico, indicating that Ukraine's attempts to keep weapons flowing could become mired in additional negotiations.
Part of the push involves overcoming export restrictions that Washington typically imposes on foreign use of its arms. Under the administration of former US President Joe Biden, even British deliveries of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine were initially delayed because the systems contained American components, Politico noted. A Ukrainian official told the outlet that similar hurdles could be addressed during the talks, although it remains unclear whether the US would sign off on deliveries.
The administration of US President Donald Trump appears to be warming up to the idea of direct military sales to Kiev, according to the magazine. Politico in particular cited a recent meeting between Trump and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, with one person briefed on the talks claiming that Trump seemed 'compassionate' and 'understanding,' although no specific commitments were detailed.
The US weapons freeze has caused frustration in Kiev, with Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuglaya proclaiming that the country 'is no longer our ally.' The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also summoned US chargé d'affaires John Ginkel to underscore 'the critical importance' of deliveries and warn against any 'delay or procrastination.'
Russia has consistently denounced Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, insisting they will only drag out the conflict without changing its eventual outcome.
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