In a major shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a fresh $300 million military aid package to Ukraine, reportedly including rare Patriot surface-to-air missiles and medium-range rockets. The decision follows a brief and controversial Pentagon pause ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a known skeptic of increased aid to Kiev.
Trump’s move marks the first use of his Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing emergency arms transfers directly from U.S. stockpiles. While the Pentagon claimed the pause was a limited stockpile review, it had caused concern among European allies and Ukrainian officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that most weapons shipments were never stopped. Trump, who has reopened ceasefire talks with Russia, acknowledged the high cost of Patriot systems but said Ukraine still needs them. The Kremlin has warned the continued weapons flow contradicts peace efforts and further complicates diplomacy.
