Trump to give more weapons to Ukraine, censures 'very nice' Putin
4 Min Read
US President Donald Trump approved new defensive weapons for Ukraine and may back sweeping sanctions on Russia, citing frustration with Putin over rising casualties.
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US President Donald Trump, left, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington (AP)
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he had approved the delivery of additional defensive weapons to Ukraine and is weighing new sanctions against Russia, expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the worsening toll of the war.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said that while he had once believed in diplomacy with Putin, recent battlefield developments and rising casualties have left him disillusioned.
“I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now,” Trump said, pointing to the thousands of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers killed during the war. “We get a lot of bullsh*t thrown at us by Putin. … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” he added.
Trump had campaigned on a promise to end the war in Ukraine within a day. That promise, however, remains unfulfilled as efforts by his administration to broker a peace agreement have stalled.
Sanctions under consideration
Trump also said he is seriously reviewing a bipartisan Senate bill that proposes sweeping sanctions on Russia. The legislation, led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would impose steep penalties not only on Russia but also on nations continuing to trade with Moscow.
The proposed bill includes 500% tariffs on Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other exports, which aims to further isolate Russia economically and punish those bypassing Western sanctions. “I’m looking at it very strongly,” Trump said regarding the legislation.
Ukraine arms delivery resumes
Trump confirmed that he had formally approved a new package of weapons for Ukraine, aimed at helping Kiev counter intensifying Russian military pressure.
“We’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that,” he said, one day after signaling the administration’s intent to step up material support for Ukrainian forces.
His remarks follow reports of a temporary Pentagon pause in critical military aid shipments, which had sparked alarm in Kiev. Ukrainian officials warned last week that delays in US deliveries risked leaving their forces vulnerable amid escalating Russian airstrikes and advances on the eastern front.
Seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the briefing, Trump was asked who had authorized the weapons pause. He deflected the question, responding: “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
