United States President, Donald Trump, stated on Monday that the United States would resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, days after a brief pause in arms shipments.
Trump said ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“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. We’re going to have to send more weapons,” he added.
“Defensive weapons, primarily, but they’re getting hit very, very hard.”
Last week, the U.S. temporarily halted certain military deliveries to Ukraine—including air defense systems—as part of a broader reassessment of foreign military aid. The pause, approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was intended to “put America’s interests first,” according to Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
Several officials suggested the review was partially driven by the Pentagon’s strategic refocus on countering China and preparing for potential Pacific conflicts—a shift championed by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby.
“The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine… At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach… while also preserving US forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities,” Colby said during the suspension period.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility for a strike on a Russian air base, as Moscow launched drone attacks against Kyiv. Russia suggested that the U.S. pause was due to depleted American stockpiles, though offered no evidence.
Despite this, the Pentagon — under Trump’s direction — is set to dispatch additional defensive arms. “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,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments … remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities.”
Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the U.S. has been Ukraine’s principal military backer, providing tanks, drones, rocket systems, radar units, and more. However, such extensive support has strained U.S. defense inventories.
Earlier this year in March, Trump briefly paused all military aid following a tense call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That freeze lasted about a week before support resumed.
The renewed arms commitment follows Trump’s recent phone conversations with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described the talk with Putin as “disappointing,” with “no progress” on a ceasefire.
Conversely, he said his call with Zelensky was more positive. In the wake of repeated Russian drone strikes, Zelensky has pressed for additional air defense systems. Trump confirmed Ukraine’s request is under evaluation, calling the conversation “very good.” Zelensky responded that it was “the most productive” discussion he’s had with Trump.
Expressing frustration with Moscow, Trump concluded Monday by saying, “I’m not happy with President Putin at all.”
