On Thursday, President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding the previous administration's military assistance to Ukraine, suggesting that too many weapons had been supplied to the country. This statement came amidst a pause in certain shipments of arms to Ukraine, as Russia intensified its military offensive. Speaking to the press before departing for Iowa aboard Air Force One, Trump accused former President Joe Biden of "emptying out our whole country" in providing weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to ensure it retains sufficient military resources for itself.
The types of weaponry being withheld from Ukraine include air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery, and various other military supplies. As Ukraine faced a new wave of attacks, with reports of ballistic missile warnings and explosions in Kyiv, the situation on the ground remained dire. Despite the paused shipments, Trump indicated that the U.S. was still engaged with Ukraine, stating, "We’ve given so many weapons," and reiterated that they were "working with them and trying to help them."
On the same day, Trump held a "pretty long call" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump noted did not lead to any advancements in resolving the ongoing conflict. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the situation, acknowledging the complexities involved. The Kremlim described their conversation as "frank and constructive," marking the sixth communication between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House. The discussion also touched on political dynamics in the Middle East, where Putin underscored the importance of resolving issues through diplomatic channels.
Additionally, Trump pressed for a swift end to the fighting in Ukraine, while Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to achieving its objectives in the conflict. The Russian leader emphasized that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine abandoning its NATO aspirations and recognizing Russia’s territorial claims. It was noted that the topic of halted U.S. military shipments did not feature in the Trump-Putin dialogue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, upon meeting significant European Union allies in Denmark, indicated he may discuss the weapon shipment situation with Trump in the near future. He mentioned, "I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump."
The recent exchanges between Trump and Putin hint at a mutual interest in improving the deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations, which have reached their lowest ebb since the Cold War. In addition to discussing Ukraine, the conversation reportedly covered other global challenges including Syria, with both leaders expressing interest in potential collaborative projects in energy and space exploration.
Putin also suggested that the United States and Russia could share films promoting "traditional values" during their discussions. Meanwhile, on June 22, U.S. military action against Iranian sites had further complicated international relations, reflecting the intricate geopolitical landscape the leaders are navigating.
As developments unfold, the focus remains on the impact of U.S. military assistance policies on Ukraine's resistance against ongoing Russian aggression and broader implications for international diplomacy.
