KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant reversal of a prior decision, the Pentagon announced on Monday that it will send additional defensive weaponry to Ukraine at the request of President Donald Trump. This announcement comes after a brief pause in shipments of crucial air defense systems already en route to the Ukrainian military.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the additional weapons will “ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure that the killing stops.”
During a White House press conference alongside a U.S. and Israeli delegation, President Trump highlighted the pressing need for Ukraine to defend itself against increased Russian aggression. He expressed his deep disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “They’re getting hit very hard now.”
Following a July 3 phone call between Trump and Putin, the Kremlin initiated what the Ukrainian military has termed the largest wave of airstrikes since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian air force recorded more than 539 drones and 11 missiles, marking a troubling new record in hostilities.
Commenting on the situation, Hanna Shelest, director of security studies at the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council, conveyed skepticism regarding Russia’s willingness to engage in ceasefire negotiations. “I don’t see anyone except Russia who is winning,” she said, adding that ongoing negotiations seem to be a tactic to avoid new sanctions while not genuinely pursuing peace.
Trump has maintained a tough stance on Russia, threatening sanctions if the country does not agree to halt its military actions. In support of this, Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced a bill imposing a staggering 500% tariff on nations purchasing Russian oil, which would include major economies like China and India.
With the intensity of Russian attacks rising, Ukraine finds itself increasingly reliant on air defense systems supplied by western allies, including the U.S.-designed Patriot missile system. Both Ukraine’s defense and foreign ministries were caught off guard last week when the Pentagon decided to pause shipments that were to include vital Patriot missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Howitzer rounds.
The Pentagon cited concerns over dwindling stockpiles as the reason behind the initial halt, a rationale that Shelest described as perplexing. She expressed concern that this could negatively affect the U.S.’s global standing by suggesting a lack of military capabilities.
In a phone call on July 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the urgent need for air defense systems during what he termed “the best conversation in all this time, extremely productive.” He expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment to assist Ukraine in bolstering its defenses.
Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine had established agreements with western allies, as well as with an American defense company, to initiate joint drone production. This initiative could potentially supply Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of drones within the year, including interceptor drones, which he indicated are a priority.
Military intelligence reports from Ukraine suggest that Russia is poised to escalate its drone attacks, potentially launching up to 1,000 assault drones per day. Strategic studies expert Phillips O’Brien from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland referenced this worrying trend, highlighting the trajectory of the conflict and the substantial threats facing Ukraine.
image source from：npr
