President Donald Trump has agreed to send more defensive weapons to Ukraine. This decision comes after his administration temporarily paused some earlier shipments last week.
He said the weapons are necessary because Ukraine is facing serious attacks. While speaking before a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump explained that Ukraine needs help defending itself, and the U.S. must step in.
Earlier, the U.S. had delayed sending some weapons like air defense missiles. The reason given was a review of military spending and foreign aid. A White House spokesperson said the pause was to make sure America’s own needs come first.
Some officials mentioned that the review was also connected to the U.S. military’s focus on China and being prepared for future threats in the Pacific region. Defense leaders said they’re trying to continue helping Ukraine while also keeping the U.S. military strong and ready.
Russia reacted positively to the pause and suggested—without proof—that it was because the U.S. was running out of weapons. However, the Pentagon confirmed that under Trump’s orders, new defensive supplies would now go ahead to support Ukraine’s efforts and long-term peace goals.
The U.S. has been the biggest source of military support for Ukraine since Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022. America has sent drones, tanks, air defense systems, and other weapons. But this has also led to worries about America’s own weapon supplies getting too low.
Earlier this year, Trump had paused military help after a tense conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky. But he later restarted the aid about a week afterward.
Recently, Trump held separate phone calls with both Russian President Putin and President Zelensky. After speaking with Putin, Trump said the conversation was disappointing and that there’s still no progress on a possible ceasefire.
Zelensky has been asking Western countries for stronger air defense, especially with the rise in Russian drone attacks. After his call with Trump, he said it was their most productive conversation so far. Trump confirmed that the U.S. is now considering sending more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine.
On Monday, Trump again criticized Putin, saying he was not pleased with the Russian leader’s actions.
