WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a brief and controversial pause in critical U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine, former President Donald Trump announced Monday that additional defensive weapons will soon be delivered to Kyiv, citing intensifying Russian attacks and humanitarian concerns, reported by BBC News.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he was “not happy” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and acknowledged Ukraine is “getting hit very hard,” referencing a spate of deadly missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian cities—including Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to,” Trump said at the joint news conference. “They need to be able to defend themselves. I’m disappointed that President Putin has not stopped.”
His remarks come days after the U.S. halted shipments of key military systems, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision artillery shells. The Pentagon initially framed the pause as a strategic reassessment to prioritize “America’s interests,” prompting alarm in Kyiv and pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called the Patriot systems “real protectors of life.”
Zelensky confirmed recent talks with Trump, stating they had agreed to coordinate further on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
In a brief statement, the Pentagon confirmed the shift, saying that “at President Trump’s direction,” additional defensive arms will be sent “to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace.”
The reversal follows a week of intense Russian bombardment, including an unprecedented barrage of 539 drones and 11 missiles, according to Ukrainian officials.
Trump’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire remain stalled. After a call with Putin last week, he acknowledged “no progress” had been made, remarking, “I don’t think he’s looking to stop.”
With the war now in its fourth year, Ukraine’s leaders are once again relying on U.S. support to withstand Russia’s deepening offensive.
