President Donald Trump has announced a major defense boost for Ukraine, confirming that Washington will send Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv, this decision comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine drags into its fourth year with escalating summer assaults. Trump also signaled a major policy shift by hinting at tough new sanctions on Russia, expressing growing dissatisfaction with President Vladimir Putin. The announcement was made ahead of a high-stakes Monday, with diplomatic engagements including Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the US special envoy’s fresh visit to Ukraine.
Defense Aid Back on Track
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews after attending the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump said, “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need.” While he did not reveal the quantity, he clarified that discussions about the number are ongoing. This move comes after the White House reversed its earlier decision to pause some weapons shipments to Kyiv. Instead, the administration now plans a new model where NATO pays the United States directly for certain advanced weapons.
“We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military and they’re going to pay us 100 percent for them,” Trump explained. “It’ll be business for us,” he added, reflecting a transactional approach to foreign military aid.
Trump’s Growing Frustration with Putin
The US President, once hopeful of cooperating with Putin, is now publicly voicing disappointment, “Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump stated, despite initially resisting sanctions and pursuing diplomacy, Trump now appears more open to punitive measures.
The change in tone may relate to Russia’s repeated refusal to accept ceasefire proposals from Washington and Kyiv. With attacks intensifying, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that negotiations for more Patriot systems are underway.
Bipartisan Bill Packs a ‘Sledgehammer’
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are pushing to empower Trump with new tools to pressure Moscow. A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal proposes sweeping sanctions. Graham described the legislation as a “sledgehammer” that gives Trump the authority to impose 500 percent tariffs on countries supporting Russia’s war machine, including China, India, or Brazil.
Blumenthal emphasized the urgent need to unlock frozen Russian assets held in the US and Europe, estimating around $5 billion could become available to aid Ukraine. Zelensky welcomed the move, saying such leverage could make diplomacy meaningful.
As Trump prepares for meetings that may reshape US policy on Russia, global eyes remain fixed on Washington.
