President Donald Trump announced on July 10 that U.S. arms will continue to flow to Ukraine through NATO, reversing earlier Pentagon plans to suspend certain shipments. Speaking in an interview with NBC, Trump stated:
“We are sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying 100% for them. From there, the weapons will be transferred to Ukraine.”
Trump added that he will make a “major announcement” about Russia on July 14, but provided no further details.
This statement comes after the Pentagon had signaled on July 2 that it would pause some arms shipments due to declining reserves. However, Trump overturned that decision on July 8, committing to resume defensive arms deliveries amid intensifying Russian attacks.
Considering New Sanctions Against Russia
Trump also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he’s considering new sanctions against Moscow. He said he’s reviewing a proposal by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal for:
- Tariffs on nations supporting Russia’s war effort,
- Financial penalties on Russia’s banking system.
“I believe I will make a major declaration on Russia this Monday,” Trump added.
U.S.–Russia Talks Amid Tensions
On July 10, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a summit in Malaysia. Rubio said the conversation was:
“Honest and important,” emphasizing the need for a clear path toward peace negotiations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described it as a “substantial exchange of views.”
Rubio clarified that the Pentagon’s earlier pause on weapons was misinterpreted, affirming that “most U.S. assistance to Ukraine has never stopped.” He stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for more Patriot missile systems, while criticizing European allies for withholding available units.
Human Toll and Battlefield Updates
Rubio also reported that Russia has lost over 100,000 troops since January, stating these are fatalities, not just injuries. Ukrainian losses, while “lower,” remain significant.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced. The war, still referred to by Putin as a “special military operation,” has drawn sweeping Western sanctions on Russia’s economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged NATO allies to use frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and called for greater investment and co-production of weapons to support Ukraine’s defense.
