Pentagon Says Ukraine Runs Out Of Ammunition As US Aid Reduces

JAKARTA - Senior officials of the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) said Ukrainian forces were running out of ammunition and the halt to US aid for Kyiv affected the struggle against the Russian invasion.

The United States has been unable to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine since late last year, with Republicans blocking additional spending except President Joe Biden's Administration also pledging to address security on US-Mexico borders.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander said that although some of the previously contracted weapons and ammunition were still provided by the US, support for the Ukrainian military has largely decreased.

"We've heard reports from the Ukrainian government that they have concerns from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and general staff, they're worried that they believe the units don't have the stock of ammunition they need," Wallander told reporters.

Kyiv has "reported a change in speed and volume of US combat aid packages in the fall does indeed affect their planning and operations".

"They are concerned that frontline troops are reporting to their leaders they feel restricted and they are asking for more ammunition," he added.

Wallander spoke to reporters after a monthly meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, organized by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The Pentagon chief highlighted a $250 million military aid package Washington announced last month, but did not specify new American aid.

He called on other countries to "excavate deeper" to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and ground-based interceptors.

Meanwhile, Defense Department Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the lack of funds had forced the Pentagon to stop donating its military equipment to Kyiv to ensure the military readiness of Uncle Sam's country.

"This of course prevents us from meeting Ukraine's most pressing battlefield needs, including matters such as artillery shells, anti-tank weapons, air defense interceptors," explained Major GeneralRIDer.

Both sides in a brutal war of friction are struggling to get enough ammunition. Russia is given artillery shells, drones, and other equipment from North Korea and Iran, the US said.

US senators are vying for support for a negotiated compromise, which could revise US border policies, opening the door to Republican votes to increase US aid during the wartime for Ukraine.

"American aid, which is very important to help our Ukrainian friends, has run out," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"The only way to provide more assistance is through Congress. And it is important for Congress to take action, as as supplies in Ukraine run low, supplies from Russia will be refilled."