According to a recent report by ABC News, the United States has reduced its supply of vital NATO-standard artillery shells to Ukraine by more than 30%.
This decrease in supply coincides with the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
An unnamed Ukrainian official, cited in the report, emphasized the significance of 155-mm artillery shells in Ukraine's defense against Russian forces. However, some of the American supplies intended for Ukraine have reportedly been redirected to Israel.
Despite repeated assurances from U.S. officials that the arms support to Israel would not impact the situation in Ukraine, the Ukrainian official indicated that the commitment from the U.S. did indeed get affected.
According to the source, these artillery shells constitute approximately 60 to 70 percent of total shipments to Ukraine.
Countering this perspective, a senior U.S. defense official stated to ABC News that the reduction in ammunition supply to Ukraine is unrelated to the events in Gaza.
The official explained that the presidential arms reduction packages are prepared weeks in advance, suggesting no direct link between the supply adjustments and the conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, during a visit to Ukraine, announced a new security assistance package worth $100 million for Ukraine.
This package includes an unspecified quantity of 155mm artillery shells that align with NATO standards.
The recently revealed military aid package for Ukraine includes various arms and equipment, such as one HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system, additional ammunition for it, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, both 155-mm and 105-mm artillery shells, TOW anti-tank missiles, and Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems. This package reflects ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russian forces.
Watch footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting off Russian attack:
