📜 Patriots in, sledgehammer sanctions next: Trump’s Ukraine strategy shifts into overdrive

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States will send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine. He described the move as necessary for Ukraine’s defense, especially as missile and drone attacks from Russia continue.

Trump Announces Patriot Missile Support for Ukraine

Trump made the announcement ahead of an important diplomatic week that includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Washington and a visit to Ukraine by the US special envoy.

President Trump did not say how many Patriot missile systems the US would send, but he clearly stated that the European Union will reimburse the US for the cost of the equipment. “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because [Russian President Vladimir] Putin really surprised a lot of people,” Trump said.

Trump added, “He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening.” This statement came as a direct criticism of President Putin’s actions in Ukraine, especially as the violence has intensified during the summer. Trump also expressed frustration with Putin for not responding to US efforts to help end the war through negotiation.

The US previously announced it would pause some arms shipments to Ukraine, but has now reversed that decision. Instead, NATO countries will now pay the US for some of the military equipment it delivers under a new deal.

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Trump explained, “We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They are going to pay us 100 per cent for that, and that’s the way we want it. It’ll be business for us.”

Ukraine Seeks More Patriot Systems Amid Growing Attacks

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been requesting more defensive weapons, particularly to stop the ongoing daily missile and drone strikes from Russia. Russia’s war in Ukraine has now lasted for over three years, and this summer, the attacks have grown more intense.

Last week, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was “close to reaching a multi-level agreement on new Patriot systems and missiles for them.” The Patriot missile system is seen as one of the most effective ways to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks coming from the air.

President Trump has become more vocal about his dissatisfaction with President Putin. Trump had attempted to resolve the problem with Russia when he first came to the White House in January. Unlike some European countries, the US held back on imposing stronger sanctions at that time.

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However, since Russia continues to reject ceasefire proposals from both the US and Ukraine, the situation has changed. Trump has hinted that he may now be open to imposing stronger actions against Russia, including harsh economic penalties.

When asked if he would announce any sanctions, Trump replied, “We’re going to see what we will see tomorrow, OK?” He also confirmed plans to discuss the Ukraine crisis further during his meeting with NATO’s Mark Rutte.

Senators Propose ‘Sledgehammer’ Sanctions as Diplomacy Stalls

Meanwhile, US lawmakers are working on a powerful sanctions bill aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to fund the war. Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke about the plan during television interviews on Sunday.

The bipartisan bill would give President Trump the authority to impose very strong economic penalties. Senator Graham said the plan could allow Trump to place tariffs up to 500 per cent on any country that continues to support Russia. This includes countries that buy goods from Russia, such as China, India, and Brazil.

“This is truly a sledgehammer available to President Trump to end this war,” said Senator Graham. President Zelenskyy reacted to the proposed bill by saying it would give the kind of real power that could bring peace closer.

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In addition to sanctions, lawmakers also plan to discuss unlocking frozen Russian assets in both the US and Europe. Senator Blumenthal said around $5 billion of Russian money could be redirected to help Ukraine.

To discuss these ideas in more detail, the senators are scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday evening. These meetings come at a critical time as efforts to negotiate peace have not succeeded, and Ukraine faces continued attacks from Russian forces.