US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would send additional weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the country to defend itself amid intensifying Russian strikes.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Ukraine was “getting hit very, very hard by Russia” and that the United States would supply primarily defensive weapons. “We have to send more weapons because they have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump said.

The announcement came days after the administration ordered a pause on deliveries of critical weapons to Ukraine.

The US had halted some shipments of weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that American stockpiles had declined significantly.

Certain munitions were previously promised to Ukraine under the Biden administration to aid its defenses during the more than three-year-old war. The pause reflects shifting priorities under Trump and followed a Defense Department review of US military reserves.

“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

The temporary halt in weapons shipments dealt a blow to Ukraine as Russia has recently launched some of its largest aerial attacks of the war. The escalating bombing campaign has further dimmed hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough — a key priority for Trump. Peace talks between the two sides have stalled.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has provided over $66 billion in weapons and military assistance.

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