WASHINGTON, July 8 — In a significant turn of events, US President Donald Trump has pledged to send more weapons to Ukraine, offering a glimmer of reassurance after last week’s announcement that some military shipments would be temporarily paused.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Sunday, Trump acknowledged the intensity of the situation. “We’re going to have to send more weapons—defensive weapons primarily,” he said, referring to Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to repel some of the most aggressive missile and drone strikes seen since the war began over three years ago.
“They’re getting hit very, very hard,” Trump said solemnly, expressing his displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 plunged the region into chaos. “I’m not happy with President Putin,” he added, giving a rare moment of public criticism of the Russian leader.
The announcement comes amid growing concern in Kyiv, where Ukrainian officials have been sounding the alarm over dwindling supplies and increased Russian aggression. The brief suspension of military shipments last week sparked fears that US support could be waning at a critical time.
During the previous administration, led by former President Joe Biden, the US committed more than $65 billion in military aid to support Ukraine’s defense. Since taking office in January, however, Trump has held back from announcing any major new aid packages—until now.
Though Trump has historically voiced skepticism about continuing large-scale support to Ukraine, his latest remarks suggest a recognition of the urgent needs on the ground—and perhaps a shift in his stance as the human cost of the war continues to rise.
