As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, a recent CNN report reveals that the Pentagon is grappling with a significant weapons stockpile shortage, jeopardizing its ability to fulfill military aid commitments to Kyiv. This development comes at a critical juncture, with Ukrainian leaders urging their allies to expedite arms deliveries and ease restrictions on long-range missile usage. With only $5.9 billion remaining in the special fast-track aid fund and an impending expiration of support, the U.S. may need to shift its strategy from immediate supplies to larger, delayed shipments. Meanwhile, President Zelensky's upcoming "victory plan" presentation to President Biden underscores the urgent need for robust U.S. support in Ukraine's fight against Russian advances.
The Pentagon doesn’t have enough weapons in stock to keep up with Ukraine’s demands, according to a report by CNN
The report said that Washington will likely to delay shipments of promised military aid to Ukraine because of a weapons stockpile shortage
RT reports: The report comes as Kiev has been asking its foreign backers to speed up the delivery of arms and to lift the restrictions on the use of long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.
According to the Pentagon, the US has $5.9 billion left in the special congressionally approved mechanism (PDA) aimed at fast-tracking aid for Kiev. However, the aid packages have been growing smaller as the weapons stocks dwindle, CNN said.
The currently available PDA is set to expire within the next two weeks since the House of Representatives failed to pass an extension on Wednesday. The White House may be forced to change its approach, “announcing large military aid packages that will take months to deliver,” as opposed to smaller shipments, the channel said.
Washington believes Kiev will need at least half a billion worth of PDA per month throughout fiscal year 2025, CNN reports, citing a senior White House official.
Last week, the Wall Street Journal said Western officials warned Kiev that “a full Ukrainian victory” would require immense resources that neither the US nor Europe can provide.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky is expected to present his new “victory plan” to US President Joe Biden next week. The success of the plan will “directly depend on the approval and support of the United States,” Zelensky said.
Ukrainian commanders and politicians have repeatedly blamed the delays in weapons deliveries for battlefield losses and the failure to hold off Russian advances.