Trump Greenlights Defensive Aid to Ukraine, Mulls Fresh Sanctions on Russia
In a significant development amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe, US President Donald Trump has announced his approval for additional defensive weapons to be sent to Ukraine. He also indicated that his administration is weighing the possibility of imposing broader sanctions on Russia in response to continued aggression.
“We’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that,” Trump said on Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, according to reports by Xinhua.
The President expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now,” Trump remarked, pointing to the staggering loss of life among both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.
Military Aid Amid Rising Tensions
Trump’s comments came just a day after he confirmed additional arms support to Kyiv in light of new territorial advances claimed by Moscow. “We’re going to have to send more weapons — defensive weapons primarily,” he said, acknowledging Ukraine’s intensifying battlefield challenges and the heavy toll of Russian strikes.
His latest assurance follows a brief suspension of certain US arms shipments to Ukraine, a move that reportedly unsettled Ukrainian leadership and triggered urgent calls for clarification from Washington.
Bipartisan Sanctions Bill Under Consideration
Trump also revealed that he is evaluating a bipartisan Senate proposal that seeks to impose sweeping new sanctions on Russia. While he has not committed to backing the bill, his comments suggest growing concern within the administration about Russia’s continued military posture and lack of diplomatic engagement.
Russia
Earlier, following a lengthy phone call with President Putin, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, “I didn’t make any progress with him at all.” He expressed dismay over the ongoing conflict and said no headway had been made toward a resolution.
The Kremlin confirmed the call lasted nearly an hour, during which both leaders discussed not only Ukraine but also broader Middle East tensions, including Iran. A statement from President Putin’s office noted that Russia remains open to political and negotiated solutions but reiterated that the country would not retreat from its core objectives.
“Russia will strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the root causes that led to the current state of affairs,” the Kremlin said, referencing Russia’s justification for its military actions.
As both sides harden their positions, the international community remains on edge, awaiting clearer diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. For now, Washington’s renewed military support to Ukraine marks a reaffirmation of its strategic backing — albeit with growing tensions between the White House and Moscow.
