The White House cited Pentagon concerns that some American arms stockpiles were dwindling too low. Among the affected weapons were air defense systems, bombs, missiles and artillery rounds.

Lawmakers, former diplomats and experts questioned the Trump administration’s decision to halt the supply of some air-defense weapons to Ukraine, saying the move risks prolonging the war with Russia and leaving the country more vulnerable to stepped-up missile and drone barrages.

Donald Trump’s administration has halted weapon shipments to Ukraine, sparking major concern in Kyiv – but delight in Moscow. The White House said the move followed fears that the US is facing stockpile issues with its arsenal after a recent Department of Defence review.