US warns of possible delays in weapons deliveries to Lithuania

The United States has informed Lithuania of possible delays in the delivery of ammunition previously purchased from Washington, as the ongoing war in the Middle East strains U.S. weapons stockpiles, according to Lithuania’s defence ministry.

Lithuania’s defence ministry confirmed it had received direct communication from Washington regarding potential disruptions, Reuters reports.

"Lithuania has been ‌informed ⁠by Pentagon representatives about possible delays in the delivery of ammunition purchased from the U.S. due to the conflict," a Lithuanian defence ministry spokesperson said in an email on April 17.

The ministry added that Vilnius remains in close contact with the Pentagon regarding defence procurement and continues to rely on official assurances from its NATO ally.

Earlier, U.S. officials had also warned some European allies, including in the Baltics and Scandinavia, that certain contracted weapons deliveries could be postponed due to increased demand linked to the conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli