US shutdown blocks 5 billion in arms exports, ties up aid to Ukraine

The U.S. federal government shutdown has also marked defense exports. More than $5 billion in weapons destined for NATO allies and Ukraine are on hold, the U.S. State Department, led by Marco Rubio, warned the Axios website.

The halt also applies to key systems such as HIMARS, AMRAAM and Aegis, which were supposed to go to countries such as Denmark, Poland and Croatia. The delay affects both government and commercial contracts that would normally have gone through without a hitch.

The reason for this is understaffing in the Foreign Ministry, where hundreds of staff are having to take forced leave.

Republicans criticize Democrats for threatening the security of the US and its allies by delaying sales, while Russia and China have no such restrictions. The problem is also affecting the US defence industry, which is suffering from delays in exports.

(mja)