U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the delivery of certain weapons to Ukraine, granting a request previously made by President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting on the sidelines of the summit in The Hague in June. This was reported by The Washington Post, citing a senior White House official. The move marks a significant shift following the recent suspension of military aid, which had been linked to a Pentagon stockpile review.
The approved aid reportedly includes “key defensive systems,” with sources mentioning advanced air defense assets and precision-guided munitions. While the full list remains classified, it is said to feature components that Kyiv deems critical for countering ongoing strikes on its infrastructure and military positions.
This policy reversal from Washington comes amid escalating tensions in the region. According to Reuters, the first days of July saw record-high attacks involving drones and missiles — the July 9th strike being the most intense since the beginning of the year. In response, the Pentagon resumed shipments of 155mm artillery shells and rockets for HIMARS systems, which have already proven highly effective on the battlefield.
Notably, Trump’s decision came shortly after a phone call with Vladimir Putin on July 3rd. As reported by The New York Times, the conversation yielded no progress on a potential ceasefire. Moreover, Trump publicly voiced disappointment over what he described as a “lack of willingness to move toward compromise.” It was a rare instance where the U.S. president adopted a more critical tone regarding Moscow’s actions.
For Kyiv, the approval of this military aid sends a strong signal — particularly in light of earlier concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and his focus on “domestic priorities.” However, analysts suggest that this latest decision reflects not so much a change in overall strategy, but rather a balancing act between allied pressure, internal demands, and Ukraine’s urgent needs on the ground.
While partial, the renewed support restores some confidence in the continuity of military-technical cooperation. The first batch of approved arms is expected to arrive in Ukraine within weeks. Pentagon officials emphasize that this is “equipment that can save lives in the short term and strengthen Kyiv’s position at any potential negotiation table.”
The decision also enhances the United States’ international standing as a power capable of responding swiftly to security threats, even amid domestic political divisions.
