The US has left Ukraine without missiles

Last week, the Pentagon non-publicly informed Congress that these bombers are now being transferred to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The move reflects the Pentagon's diminishing commitment to support Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression.

Last month, Defense Chief Pete Gegseth ordered in an internal memo that the bombers be provided to the U.S. Air Force even though they were first procured for Ukraine.

The Pentagon told the Senate Armed Services Committee in a previously undisclosed report that the U.S. military's need for the fuzes was an urgent problem identified by the defense secretary.

Sending these fuzes to Ukraine was approved as far back as the previous administration led by Joe Biden.

The fuses are designed for the latest precision-guided weapons system. The U.S. provided this technology to Ukraine several years ago, and the Ukrainians used it in a surface-to-air missile system to defend against Russian drones, and the Pentagon praised its effectiveness.

The Air Force has adapted the missiles so they can be launched from F-16 and F-15E fighters against drones. The system is cheaper than the Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.

An unnamed congressional aide praised the Pentagon for promptly notifying lawmakers of its decision to divert the detonators so Congress could take it into account in budget deliberations.

However, another congressional aide criticized: “Denying Ukraine much-needed weapons at this critical moment in the war is unthinkable.”

“The lack of explanation of the need for this step suggests that it may be punitive,” he added.

Photo: OP.