U.S. Restarts Delivery of 155mm Shells and Guided Missiles to Ukraine

The United States has resumed shipments of critical military supplies to Ukraine, including 155mm artillery shells and precision-guided GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles. The delivery restart comes after a short pause last week that raised questions in Washington and Kyiv alike.

According to U.S. officials who spoke to the Associated Press, the pause was ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to review the Pentagon’s weapons stockpiles. The brief halt surprised many inside the administration and even reportedly caught the White House off guard. However, the Pentagon has officially denied that Hegseth acted without President Trump’s approval.

The resumption of these deliveries is significant for Ukraine, which is heavily reliant on U.S. and NATO-supplied ammunition for its defense against Russian forces. The 155mm artillery shells are the backbone of Ukraine’s ground-based firepower, especially in the ongoing battles in the east and south. These shells are used in a variety of NATO-standard howitzers, which Ukraine has been using since the early days of the war.

Meanwhile, GMLRS missiles are launched from HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), which have become one of the most effective precision-strike tools in Ukraine’s arsenal. The missiles can hit targets at distances of up to 80 kilometers with high accuracy, making them vital for striking Russian supply lines, command posts, and ammunition depots behind the front lines.

The pause in shipments came at a time when Ukrainian forces were already struggling with shortages of key ammunition and mounting pressure from Russian offensives. Reports from the battlefield indicate that artillery shortages have made it more difficult for Ukrainian troops to hold their positions and launch counterattacks.

U.S. officials have clarified that the pause was purely logistical, intended to ensure that American stockpiles remain at safe levels while continuing to support allies. The quick decision to resume shipments suggests that the review concluded the U.S. can maintain support for Ukraine without compromising its own readiness.

This development is expected to ease concerns in Kyiv and among European allies who were alarmed by the delay. With Ukrainian forces facing a tough summer, the timely arrival of new munitions could help stabilize key areas and reinforce defense lines as the conflict continues.