Trump Pledges New Weapons Shipment to Ukraine

President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that the United States will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, just days after his administration temporarily halted certain arms deliveries. Speaking before a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized the need to reinforce Ukraine’s defense as the conflict with Russia continues.

“They’re getting hit very hard,” Trump said. “We’re going to send more weapons. Primarily defensive, but they need to defend themselves.” His comments come amid renewed scrutiny of U.S. military aid following a recent policy pause.

Temporary Suspension Sparks Strategic Review

Last week, the Trump administration briefly halted shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including key air defense systems. The pause, confirmed by a senior White House official, was part of a broader review of foreign military support and Pentagon spending, approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended the move, stating it was designed to prioritize American national interests. Internally, some officials linked the pause to shifting Pentagon focus toward potential threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly China. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official, highlighted this reorientation as critical to maintaining readiness for future strategic challenges.

“The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with a range of options to support Ukraine while also ensuring that U.S. military readiness remains aligned with key defense priorities,” Colby noted during the pause.

Mixed Reactions and Renewed Commitments

Russia responded to the temporary halt by claiming—without providing evidence—that the U.S. had run short on weapons. However, the White House dismissed those claims, with Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reiterating that the United States would continue supplying Ukraine with the resources needed to defend itself.

“At the President’s direction, additional defensive aid will be delivered to Ukraine,” Parnell stated Monday. “Our review framework remains in place, ensuring every shipment is assessed through the lens of our America First defense strategy.”

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has remained Kyiv’s largest military supporter, providing billions in assistance that includes air defense platforms, drones, radars, armored vehicles, and advanced missile systems. This scale of aid has also raised concerns about the sustainability of U.S. stockpiles, especially amid competing global security commitments.

High-Level Talks and Pressure for Air Defense

The decision to resume and increase military aid comes after a week of significant diplomatic developments. Trump held separate phone conversations with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the call with Putin, Trump characterized the exchange as unproductive, noting that there had been “no progress” toward a ceasefire agreement.

Zelensky, on the other hand, continues to urge Western partners to strengthen Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities in response to an uptick in Russian air assaults. Russia recently launched a record number of drone attacks on Ukrainian targets, striking just hours after Trump’s call with Putin.

Trump said on Friday that the U.S. was evaluating Ukraine’s appeal for more Patriot missile defense systems, describing his conversation with Zelensky as “very good.” On Saturday, Zelensky publicly praised the exchange as the most constructive and encouraging dialogue he has had with the U.S. president to date.

By Monday, Trump made it clear that his administration was dissatisfied with Russia’s conduct. “I’m not happy with President Putin at all,” he said, underscoring his frustration over Moscow’s refusal to engage meaningfully in de-escalation talks.