Shutdown in the US: weapons worth $5 billion did not reach Ukraine and allies

The shutdown in the US has led to a halt in the export of weapons worth over $5 billion for allies and Ukraine. According to Axios, the US State Department assessed this situation.

“Democrats are blocking the sale of critically important weapons, including to our NATO allies, harming the industrial base of the US and jeopardizing our security and that of our partners,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

It was previously reported that under the new Purl mechanism, the US and its allies are using NATO funds to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. Previous deliveries worth $500 million have already been approved, and another $1.5 billion has been announced for future purchases. Ukraine has suggested to the US to acquire Patriot air defense systems.

The shutdown of the US government has led to a suspension of weapon exports worth over $5 billion for allies and Ukraine. The halt in exports may have a negative impact on the security of the recipient countries of the weapons, including Ukraine, which receives defense support from the United States.