"We're going to have to send more weapons": Donald Trump on Ukraine's defence

US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine days after the White House paused certain military shipmentsWere going to send some more weapons We have to they have to be able to defend themselves Trump told reporters ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuTheyre getting hit very hard Were going to have to send more weapons Trump said adding Defensive weapons primarily but theyre getting hit very very hardThe announcement comes after a senior White House official told CNN last week that the administration had paused some weapons deliveries including air defence missiles pending a review of US military spending and foreign aid The review aimed at putting Americas interests first was approved by Secretary of Defence Pete HegsethWhite House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly had said the decision was part of the administrations broader defence strategy Some US officials suggested the pause was also influenced by the Pentagons increased focus on China and preparation for potential conflict in the Pacifican effort led by the Pentagons policy chief Elbridge ColbyThe Department of Defence continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end Colby said in a statement at the time At the same time the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces readiness for Administration defence prioritiesRussia welcomed the pause in shipments allegingwithout evidencethat it stemmed from US shortagesChief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Monday confirmed Trumps directive to resume aid At President Trumps direction the Department of Defense will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace he said Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense prioritiesSince the beginning of Russias fullscale invasion in 2022 the US has been Ukraines largest military donor supplying equipment including air defence systems drones rocket launchers tanks and antiarmor weaponsraising concerns about the depletion of US stockpilesTrump had previously halted all military aid to Ukraine in March after a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky The shipments resumed roughly a week laterThe decision to ramp up deliveries follows Trumps recent conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky Trump described his call with Putin as disappointing saying there was no progress toward a ceasefire In contrast he called his latest discussion with Zelensky very goodZelensky has been urging Western allies to strengthen Ukraines air defences amid escalating Russian attacks On Friday Russia launched a record number of drones at Ukraine just hours after the TrumpPutin callSpeaking Saturday Zelensky said his conversation with Trump was the most productive he has had Trump on Friday also stated the US was considering Ukraines request for more Patriot missile systemsOn Monday Trump reiterated his criticism of the Russian president Im not happy with President Putin at all he saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever