Intel stock spikes after report of possible US government stake
Investing.com-- U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce a new plan to arm Ukraine with “offensive weapons” amid souring sentiment towards Russia, Axios reported on Sunday evening.
Trump will likely announce the plan on Monday, the Axios report said, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.
This comes after the president on Sunday expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to proceed with a ceasefire, while escalating attacks on Kyiv.
Trump’s sending of offensive weapons to Kyiv marks a major shift in the president’s stance, who had until recently recommended sending only defensive weapons to avoid an escalation in the conflict.
But Russia and Ukraine launched a series of devastating strikes against each other in recent weeks, with Trump’s attempts to broker a ceasefire gaining little traction.
Trump told reporters on Sunday that Washington will send “various pieces of sophisticated military (equipment)” to Kyiv, including Patriot air defense batteries.
Trump also said he was “very disappointed” in Putin for stating a desire for peace and then escalating attacks on Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has now raged on for more than three years, with hostilities between the two remaining dire despite Trump’s earlier claims that he would end the war immediately.
Separate reports over the weekend showed Washington was considering even more sanctions against Moscow.