Trump Pledges More Weapons to Ukraine After Russian Official's Death

Trump's Shift on Ukraine Weapons and Other Key Developments

US President Donald Trump has made a significant shift in his stance on military aid to Ukraine, stating that the country is "getting hit very hard now" and that more weapons must be sent. This marks a major U-turn from his previous decision to pause shipments. During an event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump confirmed that the US would resume sending defensive weapons to Kyiv. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to defend itself, saying, "They have to be able to defend themselves."

This development comes just days after the Pentagon halted shipments to review whether current stockpiles were sufficient for American defense needs. Despite this pause, Trump's recent remarks suggest a renewed commitment to supporting Ukraine against ongoing Russian attacks.

Tragedy in Russia: Former Transport Minister Found Dead

In a separate but equally shocking development, Roman Starovoit, the former Russian transport minister, was found dead hours after being unexpectedly fired by President Vladimir Putin. According to Russia's investigative committee, Starovoit was discovered with a gunshot wound in his personal car. The committee suggested that he may have taken his own life, though no official cause of death has been confirmed.

Starovoit was replaced by his deputy, Andrei Nikitin, just hours before his death. His dismissal came amid challenges within Russia’s transport sector, including issues with aviation spare parts and financial strains on Russian Railways due to high interest rates. Putin’s decree did not provide a reason for the abrupt termination, leaving many questions unanswered.

International Aid Conference in Rome

As tensions continue, the US has also announced that its Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, will attend an international aid conference in Rome scheduled for July 10-11. This follows Trump’s recent pledge to resume weapon shipments to Ukraine, which comes after Kyiv warned that the brief halt would weaken its ability to defend against intensified Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances.

The Rome conference, the fourth of its kind since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aims to mobilize global support for Ukraine. According to reports, approximately 500 billion euros ($590 billion) is needed for reconstruction, recovery, and modernization efforts, as estimated by the World Bank.

Key figures expected to attend include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Dutch leader Dick Schoof, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Ukraine's Struggle for More Military Support

Ukraine continues to face immense pressure from Russian attacks, prompting calls for increased military assistance from the US and Europe. Ukrainian President Zelensky has emphasized the importance of air defense systems, particularly in countering Russia’s long-range drones. He recently signed deals with European allies and a leading US defense company to boost drone production, aiming to receive “hundreds of thousands” more this year.

Drones have become a critical tool for Ukraine, helping to compensate for troop shortages on the frontlines. Additionally, Zelensky has called for more advanced weaponry, such as Patriot missile systems, to bolster defenses against Russian offensives.

UK Sanctions Targeting Russian Chemical Weapons Use

In another development, the UK has imposed sanctions on two Russian individuals and one entity linked to the use of chemical weapons in the war in Ukraine. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on Aleksey Viktorovich Rtishchev and Andrei Marchenko, who are associated with Russia's radiological chemical and biological defense troops. The Joint Stock Company Federal Scientific and Production Centre Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry was also sanctioned for supplying RG-Vo riot control agent grenades to the Russian military.

These actions are part of the UK's broader effort to hold Moscow accountable for its violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

A Ukrainian Grandmother Stranded Over eVisa Issues

Amid these global developments, a Ukrainian grandmother, Liudmyla Karpenko, was stranded at Krakow airport after being denied boarding a flight to the UK due to an eVisa issue. She had traveled 25 hours by bus from Kyiv to Krakow, only to be turned away because her electronic visa could not be linked to her old residency permit. This incident highlights the bureaucratic challenges faced by Ukrainian citizens seeking to travel internationally.

Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin

During a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "I'm not happy with President Putin at all." He has struggled to find a resolution to the conflict, despite promising to end it quickly during his campaign. Trump has considered imposing new sanctions on Russia's oil industry but has held off for now, hoping to encourage peace talks.

Ongoing Attacks and Civilian Casualties

Russian attacks on Ukraine have continued to escalate, resulting in at least 11 civilian deaths and over 80 injuries, including seven children. The attacks targeted cities such as Odesa, Kharkiv, and Sumy, with drone strikes causing widespread damage. Ukraine's Army Ground Forces command reported that Russia launched more than 100 drones at civilian areas overnight, continuing its pattern of targeting non-military infrastructure.

Despite the ongoing violence, Ukraine remains determined to seek international support and strengthen its defenses. As the conflict persists, the world watches closely to see how these developments will shape the future of the war.