US-Minister Hegseth: Accusation of Lying Regarding Weapon Shortage
An internal dispute in the USA complicates military aid for Ukraine – and causes diplomatic tensions.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is under pressure due to his role in halting planned arms deliveries to Ukraine. Several US media outlets consistently report that Hegseth acted independently – without consulting the Pentagon or the US Congress. Particularly explosive: His public reasoning that there are shortages in ammunition supplies is now being contradicted by high-ranking officials.
Contradiction from the Pentagon
Three senior officers told NBC that the stocks of anti-aircraft missiles and precision ammunition are sufficient. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also said that the US military has "everything necessary for any mission worldwide." The alleged shortage is incomprehensible.
No Consultation with Congress
Hegseth publicly justified the delivery stop with the alleged exhaustion of supplies. However, the White House stated that the decision was not coordinated. Already promised were, among other things, Patriot missiles, howitzers, and rocket systems – weapons that are crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian air attacks.
Criticism from Politics and Military
Democratic Representative Adam Smith accused Hegseth of misleading the public. There are no signs that the military capability of the USA is at risk. Rather, he sees political motives behind the actions. Observers point to a general policy shift under President Donald Trump, who is critical of US aid to Ukraine.
Reactions from Ukraine
In Kyiv, the halt of deliveries causes incomprehension. Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the defense committee, spoke of a "painful" decision. Particularly, the delay in the delivery of air defense systems endangers the safety of the civilian population.
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