Trump Commits to Sending Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russian Escalation

In a striking reversal of recent policy, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. will send defensive weapons to Ukraine to bolster its fight against Russia’s relentless invasion. This decision comes just days after the Pentagon hit pause on such shipments, citing concerns over American stockpiles.

Speaking at a White House dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation. "We have to," he stated firmly, acknowledging the brutal toll of Russian attacks that left at least 11 civilians dead and over 80 injured, including seven children. "They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons—primarily defensive ones," he added, signaling a renewed commitment to Ukraine’s defense.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Russia currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and large swaths of several regions. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been pleading for advanced systems like Patriot missiles to shield its cities from escalating Russian air strikes, including a recent barrage of nearly 500 drones and 60 missiles—the largest of the war so far.

Trump’s frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin was palpable. "I’m not happy with him at all," he admitted, despite his repeated, yet unsuccessful, attempts to broker a ceasefire. The Defense Department later confirmed it would follow Trump’s directive to dispatch additional defensive aid, aligning with what it called an ‘America First’ defense strategy.

On the other side of the conflict, the Kremlin responded with a mix of skepticism and cautious acknowledgment. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the flood of European weapons into Ukraine while expressing a wait-and-see stance on the specifics of U.S. aid. Moscow also highlighted Trump’s push for direct negotiations as a potential olive branch amid the chaos.

Adding a darker note to the unfolding drama, Russia’s transport minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in an apparent suicide, mere hours after being dismissed by Putin. Speculation swirls that his firing may tie to an embezzlement probe over misused funds for fortifications in Kursk, where he once served as governor. This incident, coupled with travel disruptions from drone threats grounding hundreds of flights, paints a picture of internal disarray in Russia as the war grinds on.

As this deadly chess game continues, Trump’s latest move to arm Ukraine signals that the U.S. isn’t ready to step back from the board just yet. The question remains: will these weapons tip the balance, or merely prolong the bloodshed?