The President of the USA will today present an "aggressive" plan to arm Ukraine, reports Axios. According to the news site's two sources, it is likely to involve long-range missiles that can strike targets deep within Russia – including Moscow.
Trump is really furious with Putin. His announcement tomorrow will be very aggressive, said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to Axios on Sunday.
Prior to the weekend, Trump hinted at a major announcement regarding the war.
I think I have a very big statement to make about Russia on Monday, he said to NBC News.
Promises Patriot
Late on Sunday, Trump confirmed that the USA will resume deliveries of the Patriot air defense system, which Ukraine has long requested in its fight to defend its cities against Russia's increasingly escalated air attacks.
We will send them the Patriots they desperately need, said the President according to AFP.
We have not yet agreed on the number. But it will be a few, since they need protection.
Meets Rutte
The Patriot announcement is described as a complete turnaround, as it comes just two weeks after Washington announced that it would pause parts of its arms deliveries to Ukraine. Shortly after that, news came from Trump that the deliveries would be resumed – but that the defense alliance NATO would cover the cost.
We will send them various parts of very sophisticated military equipment and they (NATO) will cover 100 percent of them, said Trump on Sunday.
Trump will, according to his own statement, soon receive NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who visits Washington on Monday-Tuesday, to discuss the arrangement for the deliveries.
At the same time, US envoy Keith Kellogg visits Ukraine. According to AP, he arrived early on Monday in Kyiv for a week-long visit.
