Ukraine Aid Is Costing America Its Ammunition, With Stockpiles Critically Low
The Pentagon said America’s ammunition supply is “not at the level” needed to go into combat.
Hudson Crozier & Editorial Team
September 08, 2022
Written by Hudson Crozier
From the Pentagon: The U.S. is sending certain types of ammunition to Ukraine faster than it can replenish them. According to defense officials, stockpiles are now at “uncomfortably low” levels.
How serious is it? Supply is “not at the level” needed for combat and would be considered at a “critical” level if the U.S. were in a major conflict. Private-sector companies can take 13 to 18 months to manufacture munitions, and government bureaucrats have been slow in creating contracts.
Little transparency: The U.S. government has repeatedly admitted that it cannot track the arms sent to Ukraine, a country with a thriving black market and one of the most corrupt governments in the world.
Big picture: Six months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, America’s enthusiastic support for Ukraine—$60 billion worth—comes with high risk and cost. Still, President Joe Biden has promised it will continue “as long as it takes” until Russia withdraws. Polling suggests that over half of Americans agree with that goal.
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