The Pentagon is pausing shipments of weapons to Ukraine again after more than three years of deliveries meant to bolster the country's defenses against invading Russian forces. The Trump administration's decision comes as Ukraine is facing intensified attacks by Russia against its civilians,

The move "was made to put America’s interests first," a White House spokeswoman said, as U.S. munitions have been depleted in recent years.

The Pentagon came under criticism Wednesday for its decision to halt sending air defense missiles to Ukraine, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle arguing that move was shortsighted at a time when Russia has ramped up its missile and drone barrages.