Trump eyeing new aid package for Ukraine
Multiple diplomatic sources told CBS News that the potential funding 'could be intended to send a message to Russia' after a surge in drone and missile strikes on Ukraine in recent days. Moscow maintains that its strikes only target military-related facilities.
Trump could tap into $3.85 billion in leftover presidential drawdown authority from the Biden administration to aid Ukraine, according to CBS. Alternatively, he could seize roughly $5 billion in frozen Russian assets and redirect it to Ukraine, though neither he nor former President Joe Biden have exercised this option.
The report comes after Trump said he is 'unhappy' with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the US president, during their numerous conversations, Putin is 'very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless' with regard to reaching a ceasefire in the conflict.
On Monday, Trump said the US is 'going to send some more weapons' to Kiev, mainly 'defensive weapons.'
Earlier this month, the Pentagon paused certain weapons deliveries, including Patriot air defense missiles, due to concerns over dwindling US stockpiles. Later, several media outlets reported that the suspension was ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without first consulting the president or the State Department. The pause has since been lifted and shipments have resumed.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said it is obvious that the US is continuing the weapons deliveries, and that the aid does not contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Moscow has warned that the Western military assistance only prolongs the conflict without changing the outcome.
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