Giving Ukraine priority in the supply of ammunition for Patriot and NASAMS systems is primarily aimed at protecting the infrastructure that Russia is trying to destroy before winter, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said.

"In practice, this will mean that Ukraine's stockpiles will be replenished more quickly to enable them to continue protecting their critical infrastructure and civilian population as winter approaches," Ryder explained at a press briefing.

When asked why this decision was made now and not earlier, the Pentagon spokesman answered that it was due to the intensification of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"Russia is again trying to destroy the Ukrainian energy system and infrastructure before winter, so the Ukrainians urgently need additional air defense equipment. This is what Secretary Austin was talking about as well. Therefore, the accelerated delivery of additional missiles to Ukraine is about survival. This is what prompted the decision to change the planned deliveries of critically important missiles to the Air Defense Forces in the near future to send them to Ukraine," Ryder said.