Donald Trump Announces More Weapons for Ukraine After Pause in Military Aid

• Trump Will Send More Weapons
• Ukraine Requests Air Defense
• Tensions With Russia Persist

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration will send a new package of weapons to Ukraine, just days after the Pentagon partially halted some shipments as part of a review of its stockpiles.

During a dinner at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump defended the measure as necessary for Ukraine to withstand Russian attacks, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Kyiv’s defensive capabilities.

“We’re going to send more weapons,” Trump said on Monday.

“We have to do it,” he added. “They must be able to defend themselves.”

Trump Will Send More Weapons to Ukraine

Why It Matters

The announcement comes less than a week after U.S. officials acknowledged the suspension of certain weapons shipments due to concerns over U.S. stockpile levels.

That pause sparked alarm in Ukraine, where Russian airstrikes have intensified.

Referring to the urgency of the aid, Trump told the press:

“We have to send more weapons. We must do it so they’re able to defend themselves. They are being attacked very hard.”

The president described the package as “mainly defensive” and acknowledged the complexity of the conflict:

“I stop wars and I hate seeing people die.”

The president has repeatedly expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin for refusing to accept a ceasefire negotiated by the United States.

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“I’m disappointed that President Putin hasn’t stopped,” Trump declared on Monday.

Following a rally in Iowa last week, he repeated his disappointment:

“I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don’t think he’s willing. I’m just saying I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s very bad.”

Background on the Suspension of Weapons Shipments to Ukraine

The Pentagon explained that the pause in certain shipments announced last week was temporary and part of a routine review of U.S. ammunition stockpiles to ensure balance in reserves.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed on Monday:

“By order of President Trump, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure that Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and stop the killings.”

No details were provided regarding quantities, specific types of weapons, or delivery timelines. However, the shipments that were previously held back included interceptors for Patriot systems, precision artillery shells, guided munitions (GMLRS), Hellfire missiles, and missiles launched from U.S.-made F-16 aircraft.

According to NBC News, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly made the “unilateral” decision to pause a shipment last week amid the review.

The Pentagon also accused the Biden administration of “giving away weapons and ammunition without really considering how much we had,” emphasizing the need for careful inventory control.

Impact on Ukraine

Although Ukraine depends less on the U.S. than in the early months of the Russian invasion, American aid remains critical.

As of March, the U.S. had sent approximately $67 billion in military assistance since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Moscow, meanwhile, has intensified missile and drone attacks, even as ceasefire talks continue under U.S. mediation.

Zelensky’s Reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has had a tense relationship with Trump, announced on Friday that the two held an “extremely fruitful” phone call focused on air defense.

“I had a very important and fruitful conversation with President Trump. I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on U.S. Independence Day. We in Ukraine are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us save lives, protect our freedom, and safeguard our independence.

We have achieved a lot together with the United States, and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore a fair, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble peace agreement is needed.”

Zelensky added:

“Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and broader developments on the front. President Trump is very well informed, and I appreciate his attention to Ukraine. We discussed opportunities in air defense and agreed to work together to strengthen the protection of our skies. We also agreed on a meeting between our teams.”

In that conversation, Zelensky described the Patriot systems as “the key to defending against ballistic threats,” although he did not clarify whether the U.S. would send more systems or interceptor missiles.

In the midst of a conflict dragging on with no clear resolution in sight, President Trump’s decision to resume weapons shipments to Ukraine underscores both Kyiv’s complex reliance on U.S. military support and the ongoing diplomatic tensions with Moscow.

While the Pentagon balances its stockpiles and carefully reviews its commitments, Ukraine continues to request advanced systems like the Patriot to defend itself from increasingly lethal attacks.

Do you believe sending more weapons to Ukraine is the solution for achieving peace, or does it only prolong the conflict?

SOURCE: EFE / Newsweek