U.S. to Resume Defensive Arms Delivery to Ukraine as Trump Slams Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed plans to dispatch additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, following a temporary pause in certain arms shipments by his administration last week.

“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to they have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump stated ahead of a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“They’re getting hit very hard. We’re going to have to send more weapons. Defensive weapons, primarily, but they’re getting hit very, very hard.”

Trump’s remarks come after reports confirmed that some U.S. weapons deliveries, including air defense missiles, had been paused amid an internal review of foreign aid and military spending. At the time, a White House spokesperson said the suspension was intended to “put America’s interests first.”

According to some U.S. officials, the review was influenced in part by the Pentagon’s strategic shift toward countering China and preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific. Defense authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between aiding Ukraine and ensuring U.S. military preparedness.

The pause in aid was welcomed by Russia, which without offering evidence claimed it reflected depleting U.S. stockpiles. However, the Pentagon has since confirmed that new shipments of defensive weaponry will resume under Trump’s directive, with the goal of supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense while encouraging a long-term peaceful resolution.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has served as Kyiv’s leading military ally, supplying a wide range of assistance, including air defense systems, drones, tanks, rocket launchers, and anti-armor weapons. This extensive support has sparked concerns about the sustainability of U.S. military inventories.

Earlier this year, Trump briefly halted military aid to Ukraine following a tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but reversed the decision a week later.

The latest policy shift follows Trump’s separate phone calls with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky. While describing his conversation with Putin as “disappointing” and noting “no progress” on securing a ceasefire, Trump said his discussion with Zelensky was the “best and most productive” they’ve had.

Zelensky has recently intensified calls for enhanced air defense support from Western allies amid increased Russian drone attacks. Following their phone call, Trump confirmed the U.S. was reviewing Ukraine’s appeal for additional Patriot missile systems.

On Monday, Trump again expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions, stating, “I’m not happy with President Putin at all.”