Trump turns on Putin as he makes huge Ukraine promise - 'what a mess!'

President Donald Trump has vowed to urgently supply Ukraine with weapons in a major U-turn in military assistance, days after pausing some weapons shipments. The US says it will arm Ukraine because it is getting "hit very hard now", indicating he was turning on Vladimir Putin, who has rejected White House calls for a ceasefire and peace talks.

Speaking during a dinner Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of their respective staffs, Trump was asked if he planned to send more weapons for use by Kyiv. He replied affirmatively, telling reporters: "We're going to send some more weapons - defensive weapons primarily."

He added: "They are getting hit very hard now. They are getting hit very hard."

He continued: "They have to be able to defend themselves. So many people are dying in that mess."

The comments saw Trump publicly voicing assurances he had given to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been pleading for greater Western assistance.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Trump's comments later on Monday, saying that Washington would provide "additional defensive weapons" to "ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops".

Parnell added that Trump would continue to evaluate military shipments overseas in accordance with "our America First defence priorities".

It comes just days after the Pentagon halted shipments to review whether current stockpiles were sufficient for American defence needs.

The White House National Security Council is to meet today to discuss new weapons deliveries to Ukraine, reported The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov are due to meet in Rome. New US supplies could start to roll as early as next week, reported Politico.

Zelensky said: "We are working, in particular, with the American side on decisions regarding the Patriots and the missiles for them."

He added that he has spoken to Sir Keir Starmer on "new steps to bolster our Ukrainian defence".

Last month, Russia launched over 2,300 drones and missiles at Ukraine, a 30% increase over May, many terrorising civilians.

Civilian deaths soared to 278, the highest monthly toll since early 2023.

"Russia is deliberately targeting civilians-maternity wards, schools, homes-every night," said Zelensky.