US President Donald Trump intends to announce a new plan today to arm Ukraine, including sending offensive weaponry to Kyiv, according to a report by Axios citing sources. The initiative is expected to be presented during Trump’s meeting in Washington with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Axios sources state the plan “will likely include long-range missiles capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory, including Moscow.” Trump confirmed the impending delivery of Patriot missile systems, stating, “I haven’t agreed to the number yet, but they [Ukrainians] will get some because they need protection. The EU will pay; we won’t pay anything, but we will send them.”
The US President also voiced strong criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. “I’m very disappointed with Putin,” Trump said. “He speaks gently and then bombs everyone at night.”
This reported decision follows a July 3rd phone call between Trump and Putin. Axios, citing sources, claims Putin informed Trump during that call of plans for a new escalation in Eastern Ukraine within the next 60 days, aiming to reach the administrative borders of regions where Russia holds significant presence. The news site reports this conversation helped convince Trump to send the new arms to Kyiv.
Further details emerged regarding Trump’s subsequent discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Axios, citing a source directly familiar with the conversation, reports Trump told Macron that Putin “wants to take everything,” referencing the alleged planned Russian offensive in Eastern Ukraine. During the July 3rd call with Trump, Putin reportedly reiterated his plans for escalation in the east over the next two months to achieve those administrative borders.
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