Trump Criticizes Putin, Plans Major U.S. Arms Support for Ukraine

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U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a significant policy announcement on Ukraine after condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intensifying attacks. Trump signaled that while the United States will deliver advanced weaponry to Ukraine, European allies will shoulder the costs.

In recent remarks at Andrews military base, Trump made clear he has grown frustrated with Putin’s relentless strikes, including the use of more than 500 drones and missiles deployed against Ukrainian cities this summer. “I am very disappointed with President Putin,” Trump told reporters. “You know, I thought he was somebody who meant what he said. But he’ll talk so beautifully, and then he’ll bomb people at night.” The president described the situation as “a little bit of a problem,” underscoring his irritation with Russia’s disregard for previous ceasefire discussions.

Trump outlined plans to send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine but insisted European NATO allies would fund the effort. “We’re not paying for anything. This will be business for us,” he said. The president emphasized that American taxpayers will not be footing the bill while European nations benefit from U.S.-made defense equipment.

The announcement is expected to coincide with Monday’s meetings in Washington with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Observers anticipate that Trump will unveil measures to equip Kyiv with offensive weapons capable of striking targets deeper inside Russia, marking a notable escalation in Western military backing.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime advocate of stronger measures against Moscow, described this as a decisive moment. “A turning point regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine is coming,” Graham said, adding that Trump’s earlier efforts to bring Putin to the negotiating table are reaching an end. Graham also hinted that frozen Russian foreign assets could soon be redirected to purchase weapons, stating, “Stay tuned about seized assets.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, has arrived in Kyiv for a three-day visit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered his military and intelligence leaders to compile comprehensive reports on Russia’s recent operations. “The information will be complete,” Zelenskyy said in a statement, noting that Kyiv is counting on America’s full understanding of what is needed to compel Russia to halt its aggression.

With European governments increasingly reluctant to confront Moscow directly, Trump’s position reflects a broader shift toward expecting allies to bear more of the financial burden, while the United States retains its role as the primary supplier of advanced weapons. As Putin’s attacks continue unabated, Washington’s strategy could mark a pivotal step in reshaping the balance of power in Eastern Europe.