US will send more weapons to Ukraine, says Trump amid Russian escalation

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would send additional weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the country to defend itself amid intensifying Russian strikes.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Ukraine was getting hit very hard by Russia and needed to be able to defend itself. The United States would be sending primarily defensive weapons, he said.

“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard, now. They’re getting hit very hard. We’re going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily,” he said at the start of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ukraine has urged Washington to provide additional Patriot missile systems, which it considers vital for protecting its cities against escalating Russian airstrikes.

Kyiv has warned that a recent US decision to pause certain weapons shipments could significantly weaken Ukraine’s air defenses and its ability to repel Russian advances. In response, Germany announced it is in talks to purchase Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine to help bridge the gap.

The announcement came days after the administration ordered a pause in deliveries of critical weapons to Ukraine. The US has halted some shipments of weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that American stockpiles had declined significantly. “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has provided over $66 billion in weapons and military assistance.

– Ends