Trump faults Biden’s Ukraine policy for US munitions shortfall

US President Donald Trump has blamed ammunition shortages in US arsenals on the large-scale military assistance provided to Ukraine under his predecessor, Joe Biden.

“The reason why munitions are low is because Biden gave $300 billion worth to Ukraine,” Trump said in an interview with Wayne Allyn Root.

“They never like to mention that. Now, I give to Ukraine also, but they have to pay. Meaning the European Union—I don’t do Ukraine. I give it to the European Union. They have money, and they pay full dollar.”

Earlier, the Pentagon called on US defence companies to accelerate weapons production as the military seeks to replenish depleted munitions stockpiles following five months of fighting with Iran.

Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg gave defence industry leaders 21 days to submit plans for significantly faster deliveries and increased production of critical weapons. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the memo, saying the effort was part of a broader push to rebuild the US defence industrial base.

The conflict has reduced stocks of advanced missile interceptors, including Patriot and THAAD systems. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Patriot stocks have fallen by at least 65 percent since before the conflict, while THAAD inventories are at least 38 percent lower.

President Donald Trump has rejected reports of a strategic weapons shortage, saying large quantities are being manufactured and shipped to the US.

By Aghakazim Guliyev