In a notable pivot at the White House on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his approval of sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine. "We're sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I've approved that," he said, signaling a deeper commitment amid rising tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move, confirming that he has ordered an expansion of contacts with the U.S. to ensure critical military supplies, primarily focused on air defense. "Today, I instructed the minister of defense and the commander in chief to intensify all contacts with the American side," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.
With Russia's military recently boosting air attacks on Ukrainian cities using drones and missiles, securing robust air defense systems has become a top priority. Zelenskyy stressed, "We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions."
Trump also expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the stalled ceasefire talks. "I'm not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now," he remarked, noting that Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are dying in the thousands.
Looking ahead, Trump is considering backing a bipartisan Senate bill that would impose sweeping sanctions on Russia. The potential measures aim to increase economic pressure if diplomatic efforts fail to produce a lasting peace.
The Kremlin responded cautiously, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying it would take time to "completely clarify" what weapons the U.S. plans to send to Kyiv. Peskov warned that continued arms deliveries risk extending the conflict and accused Europe of "pumping" Ukraine with weapons.
As Ukraine and the U.S. deepen their military partnership and debate new sanctions on Russia, the international community is closely watching how these moves will shape the conflict’s next chapter.
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Trump approves weapon delivery to Ukraine, signals sanctions on Russia
cgtn.com
