Pentagon Policy May Redirect Weapons from Ukraine to US Stockpiles

A recent memo from the Pentagon has introduced a significant shift in U.S. military policy, allowing for the diversion of certain weapons and equipment originally intended for Ukraine back into American stockpiles. This development, revealed by several sources familiar with the document, could potentially redirect billions of dollars designated for Ukraine amidst ongoing military support.

The memo, crafted by Elbridge Colby, the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, raises concerns about U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine as tensions with Russia persist. As preparations for a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin loom, this policy adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. Despite Trump’s approval of a plan to supply U.S. weapons to Ukraine via NATO, there are lingering apprehensions within the Pentagon about depleting U.S. stockpiles in favor of supporting Ukraine.

In light of the memo, Pete Hegseth, the Acting Defense Secretary, paused a substantial package of weaponry to Ukraine last month. This decision was made in accordance with Colby’s directive, which is reportedly still in effect. Following backlash regarding this pause, Trump reversed Hegseth’s decision, committing to continue supplying defensive weapons to Ukraine, which faces frequent attacks from Russian forces.

The memo contains a provision that allows the Pentagon to divert weapons back to U.S. stockpiles that were specifically manufactured for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This initiative, established in 2016, was intended to provide Ukraine with a reliable supply of arms. Recently, the U.S. Senate allocated an additional $800 million to the USAI, yet it remains uncertain whether the arms funded by this latest allocation will reach Ukraine due to the new policy.

Concerns arise from the potential violation of the Impoundment Control Act, which mandates that the president inform Congress of any delays in the use of congressionally authorized funds. Previously, officials believed that diverting USAI-produced weapons back into U.S. stockpiles could contravene this law. In response, lawmakers are pushing back against the new policy in the proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, advocating for stricter conditions under which weapons could be redirected.

The Pentagon’s strategy also aligns with the Trump administration’s broader objective of reallocating the responsibility of arming and training Ukraine to European allies and NATO. Colby has previously indicated a preference for maintaining U.S. stockpiles in anticipation of a potential conflict with China. While there remains nearly $4 billion in funding authority authorized by Congress last year for sending weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Ukraine, sources suggest the Pentagon may allow this funding to lapse.

As the Pentagon categorizes its stockpiles into “red,” “yellow,” and “green” categories, the most critical items, such as interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, are classified as red and require explicit approval from Hegseth before distribution. Despite the ongoing need for layered air defenses in Ukraine, it is unclear how many of these essential weapons have been delivered.

Ukrainian officials have consistently dismissed U.S. concerns regarding diminishing stockpiles, and the Biden administration has cited similar reasons for withholding certain military support. Ukraine is particularly in need of advanced air defense systems, especially as Russia has intensified its aerial bombardments.

In response to the evolving situation, the Pentagon is collaborating with NATO to establish a system that allows European allies to purchase weapons from the U.S. for transfer to Ukraine. This initiative aims to create a NATO fund where allies can contribute resources to procure military equipment. Trump has indicated that this arrangement would not involve the U.S. fronting the costs but rather manufacturing the necessary equipment for European partners.

As NATO nations work towards an initial investment of around $10 billion for weapon purchases, some European countries have opted to provide their own supplies to Ukraine, with plans to replenish their stockpiles through U.S. assistance. Notably, a recent agreement between the U.S. and Germany involves the latter supplying two Patriot systems to Ukraine while ordering replacements from the U.S. as they become available.

The dynamics of military support for Ukraine continue to shift, with the Pentagon’s new policy potentially complicating the flow of resources to the war-torn country. As the situation develops, both U.S. and NATO officials will need to navigate the intricate relationships and obligations involved in providing military assistance amid an ongoing conflict.