The United States has resumed shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday. This move comes just days after the administration halted deliveries amid concerns about stockpile levels.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that 155mm artillery shells and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles are now being sent to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. They did not specify the quantity of weapons being shipped or whether the shipments are complete.
The pause in weapon deliveries last week was reportedly due to worries that U.S. military reserves were running low. The latest shipments focus on artillery and rocket systems, but it’s unclear if other types of weapons will be included in future transfers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that he has directed an expansion of communications with the United States to secure vital military supplies, particularly air defense systems. “We are strengthening our defense capabilities in response to ongoing threats,” Zelenskyy stated.
Former President Donald Trump has indicated he would consider sending Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, though no timeline has been provided. The previous shipment, which was paused, included 30 Patriot missiles, 8,500 artillery shells, over 250 precision GMLRS missiles, and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.
Ukraine has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced air defense to counter increasing drone and missile attacks from Russia since the invasion in 2022. In a recent assault, Russia targeted Ukraine with a record 728 drones overnight, highlighting the escalating intensity of the conflict.
“These relentless attacks demonstrate the necessity for stronger sanctions against those funding Russia’s war effort, including purchasers of Russian oil,” Zelenskyy conveyed on Telegram.
