US Boosts Defensive Aid to Ukraine as Russia Intensifies Attacks

In a significant policy reversal, President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States would send additional “defensive weapons” to Ukraine. This decision comes amidst a fierce escalation of Russian attacks and Moscow’s claims of capturing a key village in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. The commitment directly contrasts with last week’s move by Washington to halt some weapons shipments, a decision that had left Ukrainian officials dismayed and seeking clarification.
The temporary cessation of US military assistance had created a critical vulnerability for Kyiv, which is currently enduring some of the most extensive missile and drone bombardments of the more than three-year war. Trump emphasized the urgent need for defensive capabilities, acknowledging that Ukraine is “getting hit very, very hard.” His comments also indicated his dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite previous efforts to push for peace negotiations.
The renewed US commitment follows Moscow’s Monday assertion that its forces had captured Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk, an industrially vital region. This strategic advance, achieved after months of sustained effort, was accompanied by a fresh wave of large-scale Russian drone and missile strikes, specifically targeting Ukrainian military recruitment centers. In a reciprocal move, Kyiv confirmed a drone strike on a Russian ammunition factory located near Moscow, highlighting the expanding geographical scope of the conflict.
The situation in Dnipropetrovsk is described as “difficult” by Ukrainian military expert Oleksiy Kopytko, who believes Russia aims to establish a buffer zone. While Ukraine maintains its denial of any Russian presence in the village, the strategic implications of such an advance are considerable, potentially disrupting crucial supply lines and economic activity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s renewed focus on air defense as a “top priority” underscores the ongoing need for consistent international military assistance to safeguard lives amidst continued bombardments and drone threats.