Pentagon to send defensive weapons to Ukraine under Trump’s directive

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to deliver a new shipment of defensive weapons to Ukraine, following an official directive from President Donald Trump.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the move on July 7, stating that the delivery is part of the administration’s broader effort to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence amid ongoing hostilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Pentagon.

"At President Trump's direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops," Parnell said in a statement.

He also noted that the U.S. presidential review system for foreign military deliveries "remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities."

Last week, the White House announced a halt to certain key weapons shipments to Ukraine that had been promised under former President Joe Biden, without specifying which military aid programs were affected. The decision followed a review of U.S. defence priorities and military assistance to foreign countries.

Since returning to the presidency in January, Donald Trump has been critical of the extensive military support provided to Ukraine by the Biden administration, which had committed more than $65 billion in aid. Unlike his predecessor, Trump has not announced any new military aid packages for Kyiv. Instead, he has focused on encouraging peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, including direct conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Putin has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire and insisted that Ukraine must cede more territory to end the conflict.

Kyiv has expressed concern about potential interruptions to U.S. aid under Trump’s administration, emphasising the importance of air defence as a top priority for protecting civilian lives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international partners to fully honour their commitments amid ongoing hostilities.

Recent attacks, including explosions in the southern city of Mykolaiv, highlight the continuing threat from Russian missile and drone strikes, underscoring Ukraine’s urgent need for defensive weapons systems. Local officials reported damage and casualties following recent shelling, reflecting the persistent intensity of the conflict.

By Vugar Khalilov