President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction on Thursday regarding the extent of military assistance the United States provided to Ukraine during the previous administration, as Russia intensified its offensive.
Speaking to reporters prior to his departure on Air Force One for Iowa, Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for allegedly depleting U.S. resources by supplying extensive weaponry to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to ensure that America retains adequate defenses for itself.
The pause in certain weapons shipments to Ukraine coincides with a night of renewed attacks on the country, which included warnings about ballistic missiles and subsequent explosions in Kyiv. Sounds of gunfire and drone engines echoed throughout the capital city.
While acknowledging the existing support, Trump stated that the United States had given a significant amount of arms to Ukraine, indicating that American assistance would continue albeit in a more cautious manner.
“We’ve given so many weapons,” he remarked, adding, “We are working with them and trying to help them.”
In a related development, Trump revealed that he had engaged in a lengthy conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that this dialogue did not yield progress on resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “I’m not happy about that,” Trump said.
The Kremlin characterized the Trump-Putin discussion as “frank and constructive.” This call marked the sixth public interaction between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House.
During their conversation, which also covered issues in Iran and the broader Middle East, Putin emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, stated that both leaders expressed a desire to maintain ongoing communication regarding these key issues.
Following recent military actions by the United States in Iran as part of its efforts against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the dialogue between Trump and Putin reflects their apparent commitment to rejuvenating U.S.-Russian relations, which have reached a historical low.
On the subject of Ukraine, Ushakov commented that during the call, Trump reiterated his plans for a swift cessation of hostilities. In turn, Putin indicated Russia’s readiness to engage in dialogue with Kyiv, recalling previous discussions held in Turkey that produced humanitarian outcomes.
Despite expressing a willingness to negotiate, Putin remained firm on the objectives of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, asserting that these goals would not be abandoned.
Ushakov explained that the suspension of certain U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine was not brought up during the Trump-Putin conversation, indicating that both nations may be exploring avenues for a more collaborative stance in handling the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned he anticipated a conversation with Trump regarding the paused weapon deliveries in the coming days, expressing hope for an imminent discussion.
“I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump,” Zelenskyy stated.
The previous known communication between the two heads of state took place on June 14, shortly after Israeli military actions against Iran.
The reestablished communication between Trump and Putin signals their mutual interest in repairing the currently strained ties between the United States and Russia.
In addition to Ukraine, the leaders also deliberated on the latest developments in Syria and expressed interest in advancing bilateral projects in various areas, including energy and space exploration.
Ushakov described the exchange as a “frank, businesslike and concrete conversation,” illustrating the ongoing complexities of international relations in a turbulent geopolitical climate.
This diplomatic engagement comes as Trump has unmistakably sought to present himself as a figure who can deliver a quick resolution to international conflicts, a promise he made during his campaign when he previously held the presidency.
image source from：ktiv
