Ukraine welcomes US weapons aid; Russia dismisses Trump's sanctions threats

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 15, 2025 00:14 IST

Ukrainian leaders have welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will send more military equipment to Ukraine. Trump made this promise during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. The package includes Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles, which will be paid for by European allies.

Trump said the new Patriot systems would arrive in Ukraine within a few days. These advanced air defence systems are considered crucial in protecting Ukraine from ongoing Russian missile attacks. Ukraine currently has only six working Patriot batteries, so this additional support is expected to help strengthen its defences.

Several officials in Kyiv said the relationship between the US and Ukraine had improved after a tense meeting earlier this year between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump.

However, a former Ukrainian military officer expressed doubt that the new weapons or the threat of sanctions would influence Moscow. "It's not enough to stop the fighting or scare the Kremlin," the officer reportedly said.

SOME UKRAINIAN VOICES STILL SKEPTICAL

Despite the support, not everyone in Ukraine believes Trump's actions are helpful. Mariana Bezuhla, an independent member of parliament and a strong critic of Zelenskyy's military leadership, said Trump’s announcement was just a political "game."

She posted online, "Trump gave Putin another 50 days to seize Ukraine," referring to Trump's 50-day deadline before the proposed US sanctions on Russia would take effect. Mentioning eastern Ukrainian cities under Russian attack, she added sarcastically, "Well, then, let’s see carte blanche, so to speak. To the Dnipro or Kramatorsk – everything is so appetising."

Many Ukrainians were also upset that it took nearly six months for the Trump administration to approve large-scale military help. Last week, Russian forces launched a seven-hour airstrike on Kyiv, killing two people and sending over 700 drones and missiles across the country.

MOSCOW SHRUGS OFF SANCTIONS THREAT

Meanwhile, Russian officials appeared unimpressed by Trump's threat to impose economic sanctions if Russia continues its invasion. Many described the warning as meaningless.

Konstantin Kosachev, a top Russian lawmaker, wrote on Telegram, "A lot can change in 50 days – on the battlefield and in the mindset of those in power, both in the US and in NATO." He added that Trump’s message was nothing more than "hot air."

Yuri Podolyaka, a pro-Kremlin military blogger, also mocked Trump’s warning. He said Trump might change his mind "several times in the next 50 days."

Earlier, Russian media had feared that Trump might approve long-range missiles that could reach deep into Russia.

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With inputs from Agencies