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President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will send additional weapons to Ukraine, reversing course after Washington halted some arms shipments last week amid Russia's intensified offensive against its neighbor.
The president's commitment to provide "primarily defensive weapons" comes as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure from what officials describe as some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks in the three-year conflict.
"We're going to have to send more weapons," Trump told reporters at the White House. "They're getting hit very, very hard."
Trump's announcement followed Russia's claim Monday that its forces captured the village of Dachne in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking Moscow's first territorial gain in the strategically important industrial area after months of advances.
Russia's capture of Dachne, if confirmed, would represent a significant milestone in Moscow's campaign.
The village sits in Dnipropetrovsk, a key mining and industrial region that has faced mounting Russian air attacks but remained largely under Ukrainian control.
Last month, Russian forces crossed into the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time, making territorial gains in that area a strategic priority. Military analysts warn that deeper Russian advances could create logistical and economic challenges for Ukraine's war effort.
Ukraine's military said its forces "repelled" attacks in Dnipropetrovsk on Monday, including "in the vicinity" of Dachne, disputing Russia's territorial claims. Kyiv has consistently denied any Russian foothold in the region.
Ukrainian military expert Oleksiy Kopytko described the situation as "difficult" for Kyiv's forces, suggesting Russia aims to establish a buffer zone in the area. "Our troops are holding their ground quite steadily," he told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The White House announced last week it was halting certain weapons shipments promised under the Biden administration, citing a review of U.S. defense needs and foreign military assistance.
Officials did not specify which weapons programs were affected, leaving Ukrainian officials scrambling for clarity.
Under Biden, Washington committed more than $65 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. Trump has announced no new military aid packages since returning to office, instead pushing both sides toward peace negotiations.
The weapons pledge represents a notable shift for Trump, who had suspended certain arms deliveries to Kyiv after taking office in January.
The Republican president previously criticized the tens of billions in military aid provided by his predecessor, Joe Biden, raising concerns among Ukrainian officials about continued U.S. support.
The president expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was "not happy" with the Russian leader.
Trump has held phone calls with Putin as part of his diplomatic efforts, though the Russian president has rejected ceasefire appeals while demanding Ukraine cede additional territory.
Russia launched fresh large-scale drone and missile barrages Monday, targeting Ukrainian military recruitment centers, among other facilities. Ukraine responded with drone attacks on a Russian ammunition factory in the Moscow region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that air defense remained the "top priority for protecting lives," saying his country was counting on partners to "fully deliver on what we have agreed."
Explosions were reported overnight in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, where a 51-year-old man was wounded and fires broke out on the city's outskirts due to shelling, according to local officials.
The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has shown little sign of resolution despite Trump's diplomatic overtures.
Putin has demonstrated limited willingness to end hostilities, maintaining territorial demands that Ukraine has rejected.
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