President Donald Trump announced that his administration will send weapons to Ukraine amid recent attacks from Russia.
“At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops,” a statement from the Pentagon says. “Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities.”
When asked about the development, Trump asserted, “We have to,” explaining that Ukraine needs to “be able to defend themselves.”
“They’re getting hit very hard now,” he said. “We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily, but they’re getting hit very, very hard.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President Trump last week, announcing on social media that the leaders had a “detailed conversation about defense industry capabilities and joint production.”
“We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Similarly, Zelenskyy’s office explained that the leaders discussed “additional practical enhancements to air defense and agreed to work on increasing the protection of Ukrainian skies, as well as holding a corresponding meeting between Ukrainian and American teams in the near future.”
“The Presidents paid special attention to the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry and prospects for joint production,” the office said. “Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready for direct projects with the U.S., primarily regarding drones and related technologies. The leaders also touched on mutual procurement and investment.”
