Vitaliy Portnikov reports that the United States has temporarily suspended arms deliveries to its European allies, including Croatia, Denmark, and Poland, totaling about $5 billion amid a government shutdown. This suspension also affects weapons bound for Ukraine, which were to be provided under an initiative allowing allies to finance US weapons for Ukrainian defense forces.
The reason for halting deliveries is a staffing reduction at the US State Department, which oversees the approval of such arms transfers. Many officials have been forced into leave due to lack of funding, slowing governmental operations nationwide.
This disruption in arms transfers is a direct result of the longest government shutdown in modern US history. Political disagreements between Democrats and Republicans have prevented swift resolution—the Democrats insist on their social demands, while Republicans, under Donald Trump, reportedly seek to consolidate power and reduce the number of federal employees.
This situation has already affected the course of the Russia-Ukraine war. A lack of American military aid previously contributed to Ukrainian forces losing Avdiivka. Currently, Ukraine receives some weapons via European partners, but the volumes are insufficient to maintain parity with Russia. Especially as political instability in the US undermines Ukrainian defensive capabilities.
The issue underlines the decisive role of Western support in Ukraine’s protracted war with Russia, since Ukraine lacks the demographic and military-technical capacity to defend itself without significant foreign assistance.
