The Pentagon is considering redirecting some weapons destined for Ukraine to the Middle East, due to the rapid use of critical munitions by the US military in the conflict with Iran, the Washington Post reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter. A final decision has not yet been made. The weapons that could be redirected include advanced air defense systems ordered through a NATO program, in which partner countries buy American equipment for Kiev. The “Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL) program has provided most of the key equipment, including Patriot missiles and ammunition for other defense systems.
A Pentagon spokesman said the department would ensure that U.S. and allied forces have the necessary equipment, but did not comment further on the possible diversion. For her part, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanysyna, explained that Kiev is aware of the situation and understands the “period of significant uncertainty” due to the war in the Middle East.
European officials have expressed concern that US strikes on Iran could slow or disrupt supplies to Ukraine. Among the most sought-after munitions are the Patriot and THAAD air defense systems, which have already been redirected from Europe and East Asia to US Central Command for operations in the Middle East.
Pentagon sources predict that deliveries to Ukraine through PURL will continue, but future packages may not include air defense systems to replenish US and allied stockpiles in the Persian Gulf. Any such deviation requires notification to relevant lawmakers and could affect the amount of weapons reaching Ukraine in the short term.
