Overview
- On July 7, President Trump announced he would resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine after the Pentagon paused shipments to review U.S. munitions stockpiles.
- The pause last week halted deliveries of Patriot missiles, precision artillery and other air-defense munitions over concerns about depleting U.S. reserves.
- Trump said Ukraine must be able to defend itself as Russian attacks intensify and expressed disappointment that President Putin shows no sign of seeking a ceasefire.
- Ukraine’s leader hailed the July 4 conversation as “the best ever” and used the call to discuss replacing Ambassador Oksana Markarova in Washington.
- Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the U.S. has provided tens of billions in military aid to Ukraine, prompting European governments to explore ways to fill any gaps in air-defense support.