STORY: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday (July 2) that his country was holding "technical-level discussions" with the U.S. regarding the delivery of defence aid, and air defence components in particular.

A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

Ukraine said it had called in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and cautioned that any cut-off would embolden Russia in its war in Ukraine.

The Pentagon's decision - tied to concerns that U.S. military stockpiles are too low - began in recent days and includes 30 Patriot air defence missiles, which Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, four people familiar with the decision said on Wednesday.

It also includes nearly 8,500 155mm artillery shells, more than 250 precision GMLRS (mobile rocket artillery) missiles and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, they said.

The defence ministry said it had not been officially notified of any halt in U.S. shipments and was seeking clarity from its American counterparts.

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VIDEO SHOWS: UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY DELIVERING EVENING ADDRESS

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SHOWS: KYIV, UKRAINE (JULY 2, 2025) (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE – Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"Today, the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also reported, in particular regarding relations with the United States. Technical-level discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. are ongoing to clarify all details related to the delivery of defence aid, especially air defence components. One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people."