President Donald Trump revealed Monday that his administration will provide Ukraine with defensive weapons to fend off Russia’s ongoing invasion, reversing a recent Pentagon decision to halt such shipments. The move comes as Russian assaults claimed at least 11 civilian lives and injured over 80, including seven children, according to officials.
Speaking at a White House dinner for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stressed the necessity of the aid: “We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily.”
WATCH:
President Trump is right: Ukraine must be able to defend itself.
They’re under attack, and sending additional weapons is the right move. Strengthening Ukraine’s ability to fight back helps deter further aggression and keeps American service members off the front lines. pic.twitter.com/WAgvnOy1YL
— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) July 8, 2025
Russia currently holds nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, all of Luhansk, large parts of three other regions, and portions of three more.
Frustrations with Russia
Despite Trump’s persistent attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ramped up military actions, prompting the president’s ire. “I’m not happy with President Putin at all,” Trump stated.
The Department of Defense, following Trump’s lead, confirmed it would send additional defensive arms to support Ukraine’s defense while peace efforts continue. Spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities.”
Ukraine has pressed Washington for more Patriot missiles and systems to counter Russia’s escalating air strikes. Last week’s pause on shipments, including Patriot interceptors and 155 mm artillery shells staged in Poland, coincided with Russia’s massive aerial barrage of nearly 500 drones and 60 missiles.
The Kremlin, responding via spokesman Dmitry Peskov, sought clarity on U.S. aid specifics. “Obviously, supplies are continuing, that’s clear.”
“Obviously, the Europeans are actively involved in pumping Ukraine full of weapons,” Peskov told Reuters, noting Moscow’s appreciation for Trump’s push for direct Russia-Ukraine talks and optimism for renewed U.S.-Russia economic ties.
Unrelated Russian Developments
In a separate development, Russia’s transport minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in an apparent su*cide, hours after his dismissal by Putin, according to The Associated Press.
Russian media linked his firing to a probe into misused funds for Kursk region fortifications, where he once governed. The dismissal followed travel chaos from Ukrainian drone threats grounding hundreds of flights, though no official reason was given.
Trump’s commitment to arming Ukraine marks a pivotal moment, reinforcing support for Kyiv amid rising tensions. He and his administration are still working to find an end to this war through peace talks, although no breakthrough seems to be occurring anytime soon.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on the Russia-Ukraine war.
