Trump promises more weapons for Ukraine: Ukraine must be able to defend itself, disappointment with Putin
US President Trump said that the US will send more weapons to Ukraine, marking a clear policy reversal after the Pentagon stopped sending some air defense missiles and shells to Ukraine.
On Monday evening local time, Trump told reporters during dinner at the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: "We will send some more weapons. We must do this. They (Ukraine) must be able to defend themselves. The attacks they are currently facing are very large."
Trump did not specify which military equipment the US would provide, but said that the equipment "is mainly defensive weapons." The Pentagon spokesperson Pannell announced on Monday through a statement, "Under the instructions of President Trump, the US Department of Defense is sending more defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure that Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to achieve lasting peace and ensure an end to the killing. The framework we have established for assessing global military transport remains effective, and it is an essential part of our 'America First' defense priorities."
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had a phone call with Trump last Friday to get the US to resume the suspended military aid. Trump also tried to facilitate a peace between Russia and Ukraine in talks with Moscow, but efforts to end the war so far have not been successful. Russian forces have been attacking Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with record numbers of drones and missiles in recent days. Trump expressed sorrow over thousands of deaths and expressed dissatisfaction with Putin's continued attacks.
Regarding this, Trump said, "Frankly, I am disappointed that President Putin has not stopped, and I am not happy about it." The Pentagon said last week that halting part of the military aid to Ukraine was necessary while the US reviewed its inventory and weighed whether it was necessary to retain weapons to address other threats. They said although the inventory numbers are confidential, the weapons most needed by Ukraine are not urgently needed elsewhere, so there is no need to immediately refuse weapons that are already on the way to Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Trump told Zelenskyy in a phone call last Friday that he ordered a review of the US Department of Defense's arms inventory after the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities last month, but did not order a halt to the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. White House Press Secretary Levitt told reporters that day that Defense Secretary Hagel had ordered the review upon taking office.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837096570371084/
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