Washington is rapidly depleting ammunition in the war with Iran, including critically important
The U.S. is considering redirecting military aid intended for Ukraine to the Middle East.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing The Washington Post.
Also read: Americans learn from the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively use Patriot, – U.S. general
The publication notes that this decision may be related to Washington’s depletion of stocks of some of the most crucial ammunition in the Middle Eastern conflict.
Three sources told WP that the weapons the U.S. may redirect include interceptor missiles for air defense systems ordered under the PURL program. This program involves the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine using funds from other NATO member countries.
The Pentagon stated that it “will ensure American forces, as well as the forces of our allies and partners, have everything necessary for combat operations and achieving victory,” but did not provide any further comments.
Rapid depletion of U.S. ammunition
Since the start of U.S. and Israeli operations in Iran, European capitals are concerned that Washington is quickly depleting its ammunition.
Two European diplomats told the publication that the high rate of fire could delay European orders and disrupt supplies to Ukraine under PURL.
“They (the U.S., – ed.) are indeed spending ammunition very quickly, so questions are now arising about how much they will still supply under the agreement,” one diplomat stated.
Among the most in-demand ammunition in the Middle Eastern conflict are interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. They are also very important for Ukraine, which faces constant Russian strikes.
Weapon supplies under PURL
A source familiar with the Pentagon’s internal calculations reported that supplies under PURL are likely to continue, but future shipments may not include air defense systems.
“The political discussion revolves around how much to provide to Ukraine. This is a real discussion that is ongoing now,” emphasized another source.
One U.S. official stated that the Pentagon may redirect supplies in case of urgent military necessity, but will need to inform lawmakers about it.
According to a report the Pentagon sent to Congress, the U.S. Department of Defense has used part of the PURL funds for other needs that lawmakers intended to finance with American funds through USAI.
At the same time, it remains unclear whether the Pentagon used PURL funding in addition to or instead of funds already approved for supplying such weapons.
Two U.S. officials noted that on March 23, the Pentagon informed Congress that it intends to redirect about $750 million in PURL funding to replenish its own stocks, rather than to assist Ukraine.
One official pointed out that it is unclear whether EU countries participating in the initiative understand how these funds are being spent.
Patriot in Ukraine
It was previously reported that in the first days of the Middle Eastern conflict, Israel and its allies used about 800 Patriot missiles against Iran. Meanwhile, Ukraine has received only 600 such missiles throughout the entire war.
It should be noted that last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that due to a critical shortage of Pac-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, Ukrainian launchers remained empty in January, unable to intercept ballistic strikes from the Russian Federation.
