• Defense Ministry says it has not received official notice on weapons delivery suspension, seeks clarification from US

ISTANBUL

Ukraine warned Wednesday that delays or reductions in defense support would only encourage Russia to prolong the war, following reports that Washington has suspended some weapons deliveries to Kyiv.

The Pentagon has halted shipments of air defense missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine due to concerns over dwindling US stockpiles, the Politico news site reported Tuesday.

“The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace,” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The remarks came after the US Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Ukraine, John Ginkel, was summoned for talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa at the request of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The main focus of the meeting was US military assistance and defense cooperation.

Betsa expressed Kyiv’s gratitude for US support since the start of the conflict in February 2022 but stressed the importance of continuing previously allocated defense packages, particularly those aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses.

Kyiv supports peace efforts and Washington’s position on the “immediate need to stop the killings and end the war,” the statement added, but emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and increasing coordinated transatlantic pressure on Russia remain critical.

The parties also discussed ongoing consultations on defense supplies and further bilateral contacts.

Separately, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said it has not received any official notification regarding the suspension or revision of weapons deliveries.

“The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has requested a telephone conversation with colleagues from the United States to further clarify the details,” the ministry said on Telegram, underscoring the importance of “stability, continuity and predictability” in coordinated defense assistance, particularly in strengthening air defense systems.

During an evening video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv and Washington are currently clarifying all the details regarding the supply of defense support "at the working level."

"One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people," Zelenskyy said, arguing that continued US support for Ukraine and its defense is in their "shared interest."