Russia has responded enthusiastically to news that the United States is halting the supply of air defense interceptors and a range of other military aid intended for Ukraine. “The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the Special Military Operation,” stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on July 2, employing the official Russian government term for the invasion of Ukraine.
Peskov’s comments came following reports that the United States has ordered a pause in the shipment of some weapons categories to Ukraine amid concern about the US military’s own stockpiles. The list is thought to include 155mm artillery shells and interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems that play a central role in Ukraine’s air defenses. According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, the decision to halt shipments was taken “to put America’s interests first” following a US Department of Defense review.
News of the halt in desperately needed American military shipments sparked considerable alarm and dismay in Ukraine. “Any delay in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted in an official statement.
Voice of Ukraine 