In a move marking his first direct arms shipment since returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has invoked the Presidential Drawdown Authority to send roughly $300 million in weaponry to Ukraine. Sources familiar with the decision say the package could span defensive Patriot missiles and offensive medium-range rockets, though final selections are still under discussion.
Decoding the Drawdown Authority
The Presidential Drawdown Authority lets presidents transfer defense articles from U.S. stockpiles to allies in emergencies without congressional approval. While the Biden administration earlier approved weapons to Kyiv, this represents President Trump’s inaugural use of the power.
From Pause to Provision
Earlier this month, the White House halted shipments of air defense and precision-guided munitions after reviewing U.S. stockpile levels. During a July 4 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump distanced himself from the pause, saying he wasn’t responsible for the hold-up.
Shifting Perspectives
Trump’s policies on Ukraine have swung between criticism of U.S. spending and occasional praise for Kyiv’s resilience—and at times, favor toward Russia. Yet in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he confirmed plans to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
As global eyes track U.S. support for Kyiv, this latest decision underscores the ongoing geopolitical balancing act in Washington—and could signal a new chapter in transatlantic security cooperation.
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Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine
cgtn.com
