Trump Vows More U.S. Weapons for Ukraine Amid Rising Russian Attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will send additional weapons to Ukraine to help the country defend itself as Russian forces step up their assaults. Speaking to reporters at the White House before a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stressed the urgent need to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump said. “They’re getting hit very hard now.”

The decision comes after Washington paused some weapons shipments to Kyiv, sparking concern in Ukraine and drawing criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Ukrainian officials warned that delays in military aid could weaken their ability to protect cities and push back Russian advances on the battlefield.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that more defensive weapons would be sent at Trump’s direction. However, Pentagon officials did not share exactly what types of weapons would be included in this latest package. The department also noted that its review of military shipments worldwide remains ongoing.

Last week, Trump told reporters that Ukraine would need Patriot missile systems to better defend its airspace. On Monday, he did not mention the Patriot systems specifically, leaving questions about whether those advanced air defense weapons will be part of the new support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump by phone on Friday. After the call, Zelensky said they had agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to “defend the sky” as Russian air strikes intensify. He also said the two leaders discussed joint defense production, purchases, and investments.

Meanwhile, Germany announced it was in talks to help Ukraine by supplying Patriot air defense systems to fill any gaps in protection against Russian attacks.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked Washington to provide more Patriot missiles and related equipment, which many defense experts see as critical for protecting cities and civilians from Russia’s increasingly frequent air strikes. As the conflict drags on, Ukraine’s leaders say Western support remains vital to their survival and hopes for lasting peace.