Former President Donald Trump claimed credit for a new agreement forged with NATO allies. This agreement is meant to provide heavy-duty weaponry—including modern battle tanks—to Ukraine as it withstands increased assault by Russia. That’s why at every turn, Trump focused on the dire circumstances in Ukraine. As these bombardments are still claiming civilian lives, he underscored the urgent need to provide effective air defense systems.
As we now learn in recent reports, the toll in Ukraine has been catastrophic. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian missile strikes killed at least six civilians and wounded about 30 in the last day. The country’s air force reported the most intense air strike in Russia’s assault. They stated that the September attack consisted of 136 drones and four S-300 or S-400 missiles. This latest escalation is sparking concerns over Ukraine’s fragility, especially since it only has six Patriot missile batteries today.
Trump underscored the critical need for additional Patriot missiles in Ukraine’s air defense arsenal to counter the daily aerial onslaught from Russia. He further promised that these missiles would be delivered “within days” from European stocks. Providing quick support This change in policy is meant to give immediate support to Ukraine’s defense.
“It’s everything: it’s Patriots. It’s all of them. It’s a full complement, with the batteries,” – Donald Trump
The new arms package is supposed to include a major new supply of Patriot missiles as well. Ukraine is expected to be the main beneficiary of the 17 missiles that are part of this deal. This long-awaited development would greatly improve Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from increased aerial assault.
Ukrainian regional officials and experts have reacted with no small amount of cautious optimism over Trump’s commitment. Andrii Kovalenko, a member of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, reacted positively on social media with a simple one-word response: “Cool.”
Trump’s announcement has ignited years out fears here in Kyiv about what Trump plans to do with Ukraine. These concerns are compounded by his inflammatory ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In doing so, he correctly diagnosed the challenges of talking with his counterpart Vladmir Putin where he said,
“My conversations with him are always very pleasant. I say, isn’t that a very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night.” – Donald Trump
As difficult as things may seem, every hero needs a reminder of what they’re fighting for … By invading Ukraine in 2022, President Putin underestimated their strength and resolve.
“They fought with tremendous courage, and they continue to fight with tremendous courage,” – Donald Trump
He called for strong measures to be taken against Russia. He added a new ultimatum of 50 days for Putin to cease violence in Ukraine. Trump’s more aggressive tone is symptomatic of a new, tougher approach from Ukraine’s NATO allies in this war that is still being fought.
Other NATO leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, have since lined up in support of the deal. Rubino personally wanted to reiterate that this is far from the end in terms of military assistance to Ukraine.
“They all want to be part of this. And this is only the first wave. There will be more,” – Mark Rutte
As you may know, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is deteriorating by the hour. With his stern remarks, experts such as Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko wonder why such decisive measures weren’t taken much earlier in the conflict. Ponomarenko underscored the numerous lives that would have already been saved if Trump had pushed harder, earlier on Ukraine’s behalf.
“How many Ukrainian lives could have been saved if, from the very beginning, Trump had listened to wise and honest people about helping Ukraine, instead of the artful lies of that cannibal Putin on the phone?” – Illia Ponomarenko