Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States will resume military aid to Ukraine, reversing a brief suspension that had caused alarm in Kyiv amid intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks.
“We’re going to have to send more weapons – defensive weapons primarily,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “They’re getting hit very, very hard.”
His remarks came hours after Russia claimed to have captured Dachne, a village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, signaling a significant breakthrough in its months-long advance beyond eastern Ukraine into central territories.
Russian Advances and Kyiv’s Response
Russia said its forces had breached into Dnipropetrovsk, an industrial and strategically important area. Moscow’s Ministry of Defence declared it their first gain in the region, escalating concerns that deeper incursions could cripple Ukraine’s logistics and economy.
Kyiv, however, denied Russian control, claiming successful repulsion of attacks “in the vicinity of Dachne.” Ukrainian military expert Oleksiy Kopytko described the situation as “difficult”, with Russia attempting to establish a buffer zone.
Trump’s Military Recalibration
The decision to resume arms shipments followed backlash over last week’s temporary pause in weapons deliveries, which US officials said was due to a broader defense review. The pause caught Ukrainian officials off guard, sparking concern as Russia unleashed its heaviest strikes in months.
Trump has been notably critical of the previous Biden administration’s $65+ billion aid commitment to Kyiv. Since returning to office in January, Trump has not announced any new aid packages—until now.
“I’m not happy with Putin,” Trump said Monday, hinting at the pressure his administration has applied on Moscow behind the scenes to engage in peace talks.
Drone War Escalates
In a tit-for-tat escalation, Russia launched another massive drone and missile barrage on Ukraine overnight, with some targeting military recruitment centers. Explosions were heard in Mykolaiv, where shelling injured a 51-year-old man and ignited fires in city outskirts, local officials reported.
In retaliation, Ukraine claimed a drone attack on a Russian ammunition factory near Moscow, continuing its strategy of targeting Russia’s military-industrial assets.
Zelensky: Air Defense is “Top Priority”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that air defense systems remain critical to national survival.
“Our top priority is protecting lives. We are counting on our partners to deliver fully on agreed commitments,” Zelensky said.
Peace Talks vs. Battlefield Realities
While Trump has advocated for ceasefire talks, he acknowledged that Putin remains unwilling to compromise, continuing to demand Ukrainian territorial concessions. Analysts suggest Trump’s renewed aid decision is an effort to rebalance his stance amid worsening battlefield conditions.
If you’d like a timeline of the Dnipropetrovsk offensive, a map of the latest conflict zones, or a reaction roundup from NATO leaders, let me know — I can provide that too.