Trump Poised to Pressure Putin by Arming Ukraine — Will He Deliver?
President Donald Trump, once committed to swiftly ending the Ukraine War, has now shifted toward a strategy of “maximum pressure” on Russia, following Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a ceasefire and continued aggression in eastern Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing The Telegraph.
While Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged diplomatic deadlock, Trump’s discontent has turned toward the Kremlin, especially after Ukraine reluctantly signed a rare earth metals deal with the U.S. This shift could lead to stronger measures, including new sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
GOP Senator Lindsey Graham claims 72 senators support “bone-crushing” sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. But sanctions alone may not change Putin’s calculus. Experts suggest Trump must reverse his long-held reluctance and begin large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Some in Trump’s inner circle, like envoy Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz of the America First Policy Institute, urge arming Ukraine to force Putin into negotiations.
The Pentagon recently endorsed Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied F-16s and hinted more may follow. Ukraine also hopes to receive long-range ATACMS missiles—critical for hitting Russian fuel sites and ammunition depots.
With over 500 ATACMS in U.S. stockpiles, supply is feasible, but Trump fears their use could escalate the war. Still, even without them, the U.S. could send retired M1A1 Abrams tanks, Switchblade 600 drones, and sustain air defense and artillery shipments.
Two months after the contentious Oval Office meeting between Zelensky and Trump, the trajectory of U.S.-Ukraine relations seems to be shifting. Should Trump heed the advice of hawkish advisors and move forward with larger-scale weapons transfers, the impact could be decisive.
A well-armed Ukraine could not only stall Russia’s advance but force Putin to return to the negotiating table — this time, on weaker terms.
As The Gaze previously reported, the US State Department has approved the potential sale of a package of F-16 fighter jet maintenance and training services to Ukraine worth about $310.5 million.