The Kremlin expressed approval on Wednesday regarding Washington’s choice to suspend certain arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that diminished military assistance would bring Russia closer to achieving its objectives in the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “With a reduction in the number of weapons sent to Ukraine, the completion of the special military operation draws nearer.”

His remarks followed the White House’s announcement the day prior, declaring a halt to the delivery of crucial weaponry previously pledged to Ukraine by the Biden administration.

In light of this decision, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called in John Ginkel, the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, cautioning that interruptions in military support could give Russia the incentive to persist in its aggression.

“The Ukrainian authorities emphasized that any delays or hesitation in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only incentivize the aggressor to prolong the conflict,” the ministry stated.

This suspension of aid occurs at a pivotal moment for Ukraine, which has faced weeks of intense Russian attacks and is losing territory on the front lines.

U.S. reports indicate that among the arms being withheld are Patriot air defense systems and artillery, which Kyiv identifies as crucial for resisting Russian advances.

An unnamed high-ranking source within the Ukrainian military told AFP that the nation’s defense would be significantly jeopardized without ongoing U.S. support.

“We are currently heavily reliant on American armament supplies, although Europe is making considerable efforts; it will be challenging for us without U.S. ammunition,” the source remarked.