Recently, the focus of news coverage has been heavily on internal matters (specifically a significant, comprehensive bill) and events in the Middle East (involving the USA and Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program). While these topics have taken center stage, it’s important to remember the ongoing situation in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine. The United States has been supporting Ukraine by supplying arms, but this level of support is unsustainable in the long term.

On Tuesday, the idea of “not indefinitely” came to the forefront. The Pentagon has assessed its inventory and is planning to halt the shipment of certain missiles and munitions. The reason for this pause is due to the dangerously low levels of stock.

This decision was influenced by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, following an assessment of the munitions stock at the Pentagon. Concerns have arisen regarding the diminishing supply of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and precision munitions, reported by three individuals familiar with the situation.

The initial decision to withhold some aid promised during the Biden administration came in early June, according to the people, but is only taking effect now as Ukraine is beating back some of the largest Russian barrages of missiles and drones at civilian targets in Kyiv and elsewhere.

This shouldn’t be a surprise. Munitions inventories do not make a cornucopia; we have only a certain number of each type of weapon, and no doubt some Pentagon number crunchers are watching the numbers fall, looking at China out of one corner of their eyes, and raising some objections. 

It seems those objections have been heard.

In a statement following the publication of this story, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said that the decision “was made to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

Included among the items being pulled back are missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire and other missiles that Ukraine launches from its F-16 fighters and drones.

Those are, of course, the same munitions that would be vitally important if American forces become engaged anywhere.