By Atoyebi Nike
President Donald Trump has pledged to send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, a move that has provoked sharp criticism from Moscow amid fresh Russian advances in Ukraine’s embattled central region.
Speaking from the White House on Monday, Trump stated, “We’re going to have to send more defensive weapons primarily,” referencing intensified Russian strikes. “They’re getting hit very, very hard,” he added, while expressing dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Axios, Trump has promised to immediately send 10 U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, which are under strain following some of the largest drone and missile barrages of the war.
The Kremlin quickly reacted, warning that the U.S. arms deliveries would only deepen the crisis. “It is obvious these actions hardly align with any peaceful resolution,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Tuesday.
The pledge comes amid uncertainty following Washington’s announcement last week to pause some military shipments, causing confusion among Ukrainian officials. The delay coincided with a wave of Russian strikes and a reported territorial gain.
Russia claimed Monday that its forces captured the village of Dachne in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a strategic breakthrough. The industrial hub, not among the five regions Russia has formally annexed, has seen intensified fighting as Moscow aims to widen its buffer zone.
Kyiv has denied losing control of Dachne. Ukrainian forces say they repelled multiple Russian assaults in the area and continue to defend key positions. However, military analysts warn that the situation is growing more precarious.
“The situation is difficult,” said Ukrainian analyst Oleksiy Kopytko. “Russia hopes to create a buffer zone in the region, but our troops are holding their ground.”
The U.S. defense pause, attributed to an internal review of military needs, comes amid long-standing fears in Ukraine that Trump, who returned to office in January, may reduce support. The previous Biden administration had committed over $65 billion in military aid since the war began in 2022.
While Trump has voiced support for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict — including direct calls with Putin — the Kremlin has refused ceasefire talks, demanding that Ukraine cede additional territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reacting to Trump’s comments, reiterated that air defense remains “the top priority for protecting lives.” He urged international partners to fulfill commitments, saying, “We are counting on full delivery of what has been agreed.”
The evolving situation highlights the delicate balance of U.S. involvement, shifting battlefield dynamics, and the growing urgency for a sustainable resolution as the war grinds into its third year.
