WASHINGTON, July 7 – President Donald Trump has said the United States will resume military aid to Ukraine, just days after unexpectedly pausing deliveries of key air defence and artillery systems.

“We have to,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily.”

His remarks marked a sharp shift in tone after the Pentagon last week halted shipments of Patriot missiles, GMLRS, Hellfire missiles, Howitzer rounds and other precision-guided weapons. The pause, announced amid concerns about depleted U.S. stockpiles, caught Ukrainian officials and allies off guard.

The suspension came as Ukraine endured intensified and more complex Russian aerial attacks. At least 11 civilians were killed and more than 80 injured, including seven children, in Russian strikes on Monday alone, according to Ukrainian officials.

Late Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that, at Trump’s direction, weapons shipments would resume “to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.” He added that military aid remains under review as part of the administration’s “America First” defence priorities.

Trump made the remarks during a White House dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I’m not happy with President Putin at all,” Trump said.

The U.S. president has vowed to quickly end the war if re-elected but has yet to outline a clear path to peace. While he has held off imposing fresh sanctions on Russia’s oil sector, Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump had authorized him to move forward with a bill that includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil — a measure that could heavily impact China and India. (ap/ez)