NATO chief urges US “flexibility” for military aid to Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged the United States to show “flexibility” in its support for Ukraine after Washington unexpectedly paused the delivery of key military supplies, citing concerns over dwindling US stockpiles.

“The US has to make sure that the stockpiles are at the level we need for the US to have, because they are crucial for our collective defense,” Rutte told reporters on July 4. “At the same time, of course, we hope for the flexibility, we have to make sure also that Ukraine can move forward.”

The Pentagon announced earlier this week it was temporarily halting the transfer of artillery rounds and air defence systems to Ukraine. The decision follows an internal review of US military reserves amid growing global security challenges, including tensions in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, Caliber.Az reports per Bloomberg.

The move comes at a critical time for Kyiv, as Russian forces escalate aerial assaults on major cities, including the capital. Ukraine has faced a wave of record drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, highlighting mounting vulnerabilities in its air defence systems. US military aid, already under pressure from congressional budget negotiations, is set to expire later this summer.

With little sign that Moscow is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire, Rutte emphasised the need for continued Western support.

“Allies have to be sure that Ukraine has what it needs to stay in the fight,” he said.

Rutte made the remarks at NATO’s military headquarters in Mons, Belgium, following a ceremony welcoming the new commander of US military forces in Europe and NATO’s top military leader, Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich.

Grynkewich, addressing reporters at the event, said he was closely monitoring the situation. “We’ll see more play out of the next week or two,” he said.

The general also announced plans to conduct a review of US forces in Europe within his first 90 days in office.

“As we look at what the US posture might look like in the future,” he added.

The Trump administration is expected to release its broader military posture review later this summer. European NATO members have expressed concern that the reassessment could lead to significant reductions in US troop levels on the continent, a move that could reshape transatlantic security dynamics at a time of continued uncertainty over the war in Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli