The US Department of Defense is considering redirecting weapons destined for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war in Iran depletes some of the US military's most important munitions.
The Washington Post reports this with reference to sources.
Three people with knowledge of the matter say the diverted weapons could include air defense interceptor missiles ordered under a NATO program launched last year under which partner countries buy American weapons for Kyiv.
No decision has been made on the redirection yet. However, the newspaper emphasizes, such a move would underscore the growing compromises required to continue the war with Iran.
In a statement, a Pentagon spokesman said that the Defense Department "will provide US troops, as well as those of our allies and partners, with everything they need to fight and win," but declined to comment further.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanyshyna said in a statement that Kyiv constantly informs its partners about its needs, but understands the "period of significant uncertainty" that has developed during the war in the Middle East.
"Any disruptions at the start of recent operations in the Middle East have been minimized," she added.
NATO did not respond to whether the military alliance is aware of the possible diversion of US equipment or is concerned about it. In an email, a spokesperson said that countries "continue to contribute to the PURL and equipment is continually flowing to Ukraine."
Since last summer, the initiative has delivered 75 percent of the Patriot missiles and almost all of the ammunition used in other air defense systems, the official said.
PURL currently supplies Ukraine with key US equipment, including high-tech munitions and scarce air defense interceptors. According to a US official, the two countries have provided about USD 4 billion to Ukraine under the program.
One person with knowledge of internal Pentagon calculations said that deliveries under the PURL program are likely to continue, but future shipments may not include air defense equipment as the United States seeks to replenish its own and allied stockpiles in the Persian Gulf.
"The political discussion is about how much to give Ukraine. It's a real discussion that's going on right now," said another source.
It was unclear whether the US shipments would be delayed and delivered later or diverted entirely. According to the US official, the Pentagon can reroute such shipments in case of an urgent military need, but will have to notify lawmakers.
In addition, in January, Congress approved an additional USD 400 million in long-term military aid to Ukraine, funding a separate program that the Pentagon had intended to cut. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) contracts with US firms to produce weapons that are shipped directly to Kyiv, although orders can sometimes take years to complete.
According to a report the Pentagon sent to Congress and reviewed by The Post, the Defense Department used some of the European PURL funds for other needs that lawmakers had planned to fund with US funds through USAI.
It was unclear whether the Pentagon was using PURL funds in addition to or instead of funds Congress had already approved for such weapons, the US official said.
Separately, according to two U.S. officials, the Pentagon informed Congress on Monday that it intends to redirect about USD 750 million in funding provided by NATO countries through the PURL program to replenish the US military's own stockpile rather than provide additional assistance to Ukraine.
The first official noted that it is unclear whether the European countries participating in the initiative understand how the funds are being spent.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, a Politico article citing EU sources said that European leaders fear that US President Donald Trump's war in Iran will force him to abandon support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that Trump, in private conversations with associates, said, that he wants to avoid a protracted conflict with Iran and expects to end the war within a few weeks.
At the same time, Trump ordered to send more than a thousand US troops to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times, citing Western intelligence and officials, reported that by the end of March, russia plans to complete the transfer of drones, medicine and food to Iran.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.