On Tuesday, July 8th, US President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russian President Putin’s unwillingness to cease fire during a cabinet meeting. He also mentioned considering whether to sign the sanctions bill proposed by Congress.
“We are not happy with Putin. I am not happy with Putin. I can only tell you so much right now,” Trump said, “because he has killed many people, including many of his soldiers.”
When asked if he would sign the sanctions bill against Russia being debated in the Senate, Trump stated that he is considering it.
The President also praised the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers.
Later on Monday, Trump announced that his administration would be sending more defensive weapons to Ukraine. Previously, the Pentagon had paused the delivery of certain weapons such as anti-aircraft missiles and precision-guided artillery to Ukraine.
According to the Pentagon, in response to Trump’s latest directive, weapon supplies to Ukraine will resume, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary self-defense capabilities while advancing the peace process.
On Tuesday, when asked about who had ordered the pause in delivering weapons to Ukraine, the President stated that he was not aware. Shortly after, Trump explained that he had approved the shipment of more defensive weapons to Ukraine because the country is currently under attack from Russia.
Last Thursday, Trump had a lengthy conversation with Putin. Kremlin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the media that Trump once again raised the issue of ending hostilities as soon as possible, but Putin stated that Russia “will not give up” its war goals.
This marks the sixth publicized conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House in January.
Ukraine reported that Russia has intensified aerial attacks on Ukraine in the past week, with at least 27 injuries from the strikes on Kharkiv, the second-largest city.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that in the past week, Russian forces deployed around 1,270 drones, fired 39 missiles, and dropped close to a thousand glide bombs, conducting intensive bombings of civilian areas in Ukraine.
Zelensky posted on Telegram on Monday, saying, “Air defense capability is key to protecting lives.”
He announced a contract with European allies and a US defense company to significantly increase drone production, aiming to acquire hundreds of thousands by the end of the year, including models capable of intercepting Iranian-made “Shahed” suicide drones.