Trump pledges more US weapons for Ukraine’s defense
The United States will provide Ukraine with additional weaponry following a recent pause in aid deliveries, U.S. President Donald Trump has said, according to CNN.
Speaking before a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump clarified that the aid would primarily consist of defensive weapons, noting, “They (Ukrainians) are getting hit very, very hard.”
“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to – they have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump added.
Meanwhile, a statement from Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell appeared on the U.S. Department of Defense website, confirming the dispatch of “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.”
“Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities,” the statement said.
Background on suspension of weapon supplies
On July 1, U.S. media reported that the Pentagon had paused deliveries of certain air defense missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine, promised during President Joe Biden’s term, due to concerns over depleted U.S. arsenals. Pentagon political director Elbridge Colby made the decision after reviewing stockpiles.
PBS News correspondent Nick Schifrin reported that, in addition to PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, the Pentagon halted shipments of 155mm artillery shells, GMLRS rockets for M270 MLRS and HIMARS systems, Stinger anti-tank missiles, and AIM-7 and Hellfire air missiles.
The last $500 million aid package was announced in January under Biden’s administration. In March, it was reported that Ukraine had received 90% of the weapons allocated by the former president.
On July 4, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Axios reported that the 40-minute call focused largely on Ukraine’s air defense needs, with Trump stating that the U.S. aims to assist Ukraine with air defenses due to escalating Russian attacks.