U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced an expansion of military aid to Ukraine, once again plunging the war situation into uncertainty.
This directly contradicts his earlier stance suggesting a halt to military supplies just days ago and indicates a rapid retreat in the possibility of a diplomatic solution with Russia.
According to CNN on the 8th (local time), President Trump stated at a press conference that "Ukraine should be able to defend itself" and that he would "send more weapons." The Ministry of National Defense also announced that it is preparing additional supplies of defensive weapons at the president's direction. This shift in stance comes after a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where the two countries are said to have discussed joint weapon production and air defense cooperation.
However, specific strategies have not been disclosed. This approach differs from the transparent military aid methods of former President Biden, suggesting that President Trump may have intentionally refrained from specific mentions to avoid unnecessary escalation.
This policy pivot is also interpreted as a signal to resume arms support related to the Patriot missiles that President Zelensky has urgently requested. Earlier, in a call with the German Chancellor, President Trump mentioned cooperation regarding the export of U.S.-made air defense weapons.
Meanwhile, contrary to the White House's diplomatic expectations, Russia has reaffirmed its lack of intent to end the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated in an interview that he demands "the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, the lifting of Western sanctions, and the return of assets," presenting unrealistic conditions.
As tensions between the U.S. and Russia escalate again, the situation in the Ukraine war appears to revert to 2022. Russia has reportedly resumed drone attacks on key cities, including Kyiv, and has redeployed about 160,000 troops to the northern and eastern fronts.
President Trump's recent change in stance seems to stem from the conclusion that the 'diplomacy of waiting' regarding President Putin of Russia is ineffective. Putin continues to define the war as an existential battle for Russia and has essentially refused peace negotiations.
Experts analyze that Trump's shift in position is in line with a strategic judgment aimed at maintaining military hegemony by the United States, predicting that the situation in Ukraine will play a significant role in U.S. politics and the international order over the coming months.