Trump Says U.S. Will Resume Sending Weapons to Ukraine After Temporary Pause

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will resume sending weapons to Ukraine, following an earlier decision to pause certain critical military supplies.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, saying Ukraine was “getting hit very hard” and emphasizing the need for the country to defend itself. He confirmed that the U.S. would be sending mainly defensive weapons to support Ukraine’s efforts.

The decision follows a recent pause in shipments of key military equipment, including Patriot air defense systems and precision artillery shells. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had appealed for the continuation of these deliveries, describing the Patriot systems as vital to protecting lives amid increasing Russian missile and drone attacks.

The White House previously said the pause was part of a broader review by the U.S. Department of Defense to prioritize American interests.

However, as Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities intensified including a deadly barrage on Kyiv last Thursday Trump appeared to reverse course. “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to… They’re getting hit very hard now,” he said during a press conference, adding that he was disappointed Putin had not backed down.

The Pentagon released a short statement confirming the move, saying, “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 toward lasting peace and an end to the violence.”

Ukraine had earlier warned that any interruption in arms support would leave it more vulnerable to ongoing attacks and Russian advances along the front lines.

Zelensky confirmed he had spoken with Trump and that both agreed on the importance of boosting air defense capabilities. He said they would work together to improve the protection of Ukraine’s skies.

The war, now in its third year since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, shows little sign of ending. Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, despite multiple efforts by Trump to mediate between the two sides.

Following a recent call with Putin, Trump admitted that “no progress” had been made toward ending the conflict, saying, “I don’t think he’s looking to stop.”

Shortly after that conversation, Ukraine reported one of the most intense waves of attacks, with Russia launching 539 drones and 11 missiles across several regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv.

Zelensky has renewed calls on international allies particularly the United States to increase pressure on Moscow through more sanctions and continued military support.