In light of the escalating situation in the Middle East, the USA has informed its European allies about potential issues with arms supplies to Ukraine. This became known on March 27 from a report by Politico, citing sources. According to information provided by American authorities, potential disruptions may affect the supply of ammunition and interceptor missiles necessary for the Patriot air defense systems under the PURL program.
Three European officials familiar with the situation reported that the U.S. State Department indicated the possibility of disruptions in supplies. It is expected that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will raise this issue at a meeting with his G7 counterparts in France.
One European representative noted that some allies received assurances that already scheduled deliveries would not be redirected for other purposes, but the future remains uncertain.
A NATO diplomat also emphasized that transferring weapons intended for Ukraine to other countries, including Gulf states, would be unacceptable.
After the G7 meeting, Marco Rubio told reporters that at this time the USA has not redirected weapons intended for Ukraine under the PURL program; however, such a possibility cannot be ruled out. He added that since the weapons belong to the USA, priority will be given to replenishing its own stocks if necessary.
Politico notes that the further development of the situation will depend on the course of the conflict in the Middle East and the needs of the American side.
