Trump Reverses Pentagon Halt, Vows More Arms to Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump found himself at the center of confusion and frustration after the Pentagon announced a sudden pause in weapons deliveries to Ukraine last week. According to people familiar with the matter, Trump had not been consulted ahead of the decision and felt blindsided by the announcement, which halted shipments of air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery, and other military equipment that had already been promised to Kyiv.

One source described Trump as being caught “flat-footed,” highlighting tensions between the White House and Pentagon officials over how to handle U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The Pentagon explained the pause by citing concerns that American stockpiles of certain weapons were running low.

Under mounting pressure, Trump reversed course on Monday in a Cabinet meeting, ordering that shipments of primarily defensive weapons to Ukraine resume. During a televised meeting with top advisers, he acknowledged his growing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “We get a lot of bull**** thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”

Trump also hinted that the U.S. could impose further sanctions on Russia, though he declined to share specifics, saying any measures would come as “a little surprise.” While he has threatened new restrictions targeting Russia’s oil sector, he has so far stopped short of enacting them.

Meanwhile, tensions continued to mount on the battlefield. In the early hours of the morning, Russia launched a series of air strikes on western Ukraine, triggering air raid alerts across the region. Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled to monitor and protect Polish airspace near the border as the attacks unfolded.

Russia’s capital was also on high alert. Moscow officials reported that air defense systems destroyed two drones approaching the city overnight. While no damage was reported, flights at Sheremetyevo International Airport were briefly suspended for safety.

The Kremlin weighed in on the situation, describing U.S. sanctions as “illegal” and harmful to both Russian and American businesses. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested Moscow was still open to discussing economic ties with Washington but criticized what he called unfair restrictions.

Trump’s abrupt pivot on military aid underscored the deep divisions within the U.S. government about how to sustain support for Ukraine while managing domestic stockpile concerns and an unpredictable Kremlin.