Serhii Nuzhnenko-Wikipedia
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will resume arms shipments to Ukraine, reversing an earlier decision to pause the delivery of key military equipment. The announcement comes after days of intensifying Russian airstrikes, which have inflicted heavy damage on Ukrainian cities and increased pressure on Washington to bolster Kyiv’s defences.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference on Monday, Trump stated that he was “not happy” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and acknowledged that Ukraine was “getting hit very hard.” He indicated that the United States would now send primarily “defensive weapons” to support Ukraine in repelling ongoing Russian assaults.
Last week, the U.S. had placed a temporary hold on the delivery of critical weaponry, including Patriot air defence systems and precision-guided artillery shells. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urgently appealed for continued U.S. support, describing the Patriot systems as “real protectors of life” and warning that pausing shipments would leave Ukraine vulnerable to intensified Russian attacks.
The White House had previously defended the decision to delay shipments, citing a Department of Defense review and a need to “put America’s interests first.” However, mounting casualties and continued Russian missile and drone attacks appear to have prompted a change in the administration’s stance.
“They’re getting hit very hard now,” Trump said Monday. “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to.” He added, “I’m disappointed that President Putin has not stopped.”
The Pentagon issued a brief statement following Trump’s remarks, confirming 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 while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.”
The policy reversal will come as a significant relief to Ukrainian officials, according to BBC correspondent Paul Adams in Kyiv. Ukrainian leaders had previously warned that without new arms deliveries, their ability to defend against escalating air raids and frontline advances would be severely hampered.
Following Monday’s announcement, Zelensky welcomed the renewed support, saying the two leaders had spoken about air defence cooperation and agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s protection against aerial threats. “We will work together to strengthen protection of our skies,” Zelensky said, reiterating the urgent need for enhanced defences as Russia steps up its offensive.
The war in Ukraine has now entered its fourth year, with Russia’s full-scale invasion having begun in February 2022. Ceasefire negotiations have repeatedly failed, despite Trump’s efforts to broker a deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
Last week, Trump held a phone call with Putin in an attempt to push for peace. However, he admitted afterward that “no progress” had been made, adding, “I don’t think he’s looking to stop.”
Just hours after the call, Ukraine reported that Russia had launched a record 539 drone attacks and fired 11 missiles at targets across the country. The assault struck not only Kyiv but also the regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv.
Zelensky continues to urge international partners — especially the United States — to ramp up pressure on Moscow. He has called for stronger sanctions and increased military assistance, warning that without robust support, Russia’s aggression will escalate even further.
As the conflict drags on, Trump’s shift in military support policy signals renewed U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defence, at least in the short term, while diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled.
