President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, following a temporary pause in certain military shipments last week. Speaking ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to – they have to be able to defend themselves.” He emphasized the critical situation in Ukraine, noting, “They’re getting hit very hard. We’re going to have to send more weapons, primarily defensive ones.”
The president’s comments follow a report from a senior White House official to CNN, indicating that the Trump administration had paused some military shipments to Ukraine, including vital air defense missiles. This decision stemmed from a review of military spending and American support for foreign nations, which received the approval of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly explained that the decision aimed to “put America’s interests first.”
Some U.S. officials suggested that the review of aid to Ukraine was partly influenced by the Pentagon’s focus on China, preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, stated, “The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end.” He added that the Department is rigorously adapting its strategy to maintain U.S. forces' readiness for various defense priorities.
In response to the pause in military shipments, Russia welcomed the decision, claiming—without evidence—that it was due to a lack of U.S. weapons. Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman, clarified that “At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace.” He reiterated that the framework for evaluating military shipments globally is fundamental to the America First defense priorities.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the U.S. has been the largest single donor of military aid to Ukraine, providing essential equipment such as air defense systems, drones, rocket launchers, radars, tanks, and anti-armor weapons. This robust support has raised concerns regarding the depletion of U.S. stockpiles.
Trump had previously halted all military aid shipments to Ukraine in March after a contentious argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Aid resumed about a week later. The decision to send additional weapons comes after Trump’s recent discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Trump described his conversation with Putin as disappointing, indicating that there was “no progress” toward a ceasefire.
In recent weeks, Zelensky has been urging Western allies to enhance Ukraine’s aerial defenses amid escalating Russian aerial assaults. Following a record number of drone attacks by Russia on Ukraine on Friday, Trump mentioned that the U.S. was contemplating Ukraine's request for more Patriot defense systems after a “very good” phone call with Zelensky. Zelensky expressed that their latest conversation was the best and “most productive” he has had.
On Monday, Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction with Putin, stating, “I’m not happy with President Putin at all.” This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and the strategic considerations facing the Trump administration.
This article has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.
