U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to send more arms to Ukraine on Monday, shortly after Russia claimed to have captured its first village in the central Dnipropetrovsk region following months of advances.
Kyiv has denied the claim, insisting Russian forces have not secured a foothold in the area. “Our troops are holding their ground quite steadily,” a Ukrainian official told AFP.
“We’re going to have to send more weapons—defensive weapons primarily,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
His remarks came after Russia launched a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, targeting, among other sites, military recruitment centres.
Last week, the White House announced it was pausing certain weapons deliveries that had been approved under former President Joe Biden. Officials did not specify which programmes were affected, saying only that the decision followed a review of U.S. defence priorities and foreign military aid.
Under Biden, Washington had pledged more than $65 billion in military assistance to Ukraine.
Trump has instead urged both sides to engage in peace talks, including during direct calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has so far rejected calls for a ceasefire and reiterated demands for further territorial concessions from Ukraine.
