After a brief pause in critical arms deliveries, Trump announces renewed military support for Kyiv amid intensifying Russian attacks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that additional weapons will be sent to Ukraine, reversing last week’s decision to pause the delivery of key military systems, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions.
Speaking during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said Ukraine was “getting hit very hard” by Russia and emphasized the need to support Kyiv’s ability to defend itself. “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to… They’re getting hit very hard now,” Trump stated.
The policy reversal follows a string of deadly Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, prompting fresh appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for international support. Calling the U.S.-supplied Patriot systems “real protectors of life,” Zelensky warned last week that a halt in arms shipments would severely weaken Ukraine’s defenses.
Trump also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was “disappointed that President Putin has not stopped” the offensive. A Pentagon statement later confirmed the change in policy: “At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves.”
The White House’s earlier decision to pause shipments had been attributed to a Defense Department review aimed at “putting America’s interests first.” However, the growing scale of Russian attacks, including the use of over 500 drones and missiles in a single day, appears to have shifted the administration’s stance.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled. Trump recently acknowledged that a phone call with Putin had yielded “no progress,” reinforcing skepticism about a near-term diplomatic breakthrough.
In Ukraine, the news of resumed U.S. military support is likely to bring temporary relief. Kyiv continues to face mounting pressure on multiple fronts, with escalating airstrikes and renewed Russian advances.
“We agreed to work together to strengthen protection of our skies,” Zelensky said following a recent call with Trump. With the war now entering its third year, the resumption of arms shipments may prove critical in Ukraine’s ability to hold the line.