Recent news coverage has focused on domestic issues such as significant legislative legislation and international events in the Middle East involving the United States and Israel challenging Iran’s nuclear activities. Amidst these stories, the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine, continues to be a cause for concern. Despite receiving support from the United States through weapons supplies, the sustainability of this assistance remains in question.

Notably, a development on Tuesday brought attention to the limited duration of such aid. The Pentagon has evaluated its existing inventory and intends to halt deliveries of certain missiles and munitions due to dangerously low stocks. This decision reflects a critical assessment of available artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and precision munitions, signaling a need for caution moving forward.

This strategic move to curtail shipments was instigated by the Pentagon’s policy chief, Elbridge Colby. Following a thorough examination of the munitions stockpiles at their disposal, concerns arose about the declining availability of crucial resources necessary for defense and military operations. The decision is a response to the pressing need to preserve these resources for future security challenges.

The initial decision to withhold some aid promised during the Biden administration came in early June, according to the people, but is only taking effect now as Ukraine is beating back some of the largest Russian barrages of missiles and drones at civilian targets in Kyiv and elsewhere.

This shouldn’t be a surprise. Munitions inventories do not make a cornucopia; we have only a certain number of each type of weapon, and no doubt some Pentagon number crunchers are watching the numbers fall, looking at China out of one corner of their eyes, and raising some objections. 

It seems those objections have been heard.

In a statement following the publication of this story, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said that the decision “was made to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

Included among the items being pulled back are missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire and other missiles that Ukraine launches from its F-16 fighters and drones.

Those are, of course, the same munitions that would be vitally important if American forces become engaged anywhere.