**Trump Denies Pausing Weapons to Ukraine, Despite Pentagon Decision**
US President Donald Trump brushed off a question from a reporter on July 3 about halting weapons deliveries to Ukraine. He claimed that the US is “giving weapons” to Kyiv, despite the Pentagon’s previous confirmation of pausing some military aid shipments.
When asked why the US had paused weapons shipments to Ukraine, Trump replied, “We haven’t.” However, he then contradicted himself by saying, “But we’ve given so many weapons — but we are giving weapons, and we’re working with (Ukraine), we’re trying to help them.”
Trump’s response provides little clarity and even less reassurance to Ukrainians facing increasingly deadly Russian missile attacks night after night. The decision to halt the shipments was made to put America’s interests first following a review of US military support and assistance to other countries, according to White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
**Contradictory Answers from Trump**
Trump’s initial denial that the US had paused weapons shipments to Ukraine was met with skepticism by officials in Kyiv. His subsequent contradictory answer – that the US is “trying to help” Ukraine while also claiming that former President Joe Biden depleted the country’s weapons stocks with military aid – only added to the confusion.
“It’s not clear what Trump means by ‘we’re giving weapons’,” said Abbey Fenbert, a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent. “The fact that the Pentagon has halted some military aid shipments suggests otherwise.”
**Russia Continues to Bomb Ukraine**
In the midst of this confusion, Russia continued to bomb Ukraine on July 3, striking at least 13 different locations in the capital city, including an apartment building. Fires broke out across the city.
“The US is doing nothing to help us,” said a Ukrainian official, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’re being left to fend for ourselves against Russian aggression.”
**Global Reaction**
The international community has expressed concern over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the impact of the conflict on global security. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU’s top diplomat that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war amid fears that the US would shift focus towards Beijing.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains unclear what Trump’s true intentions are regarding Ukraine. One thing is certain – the country needs all the help it can get against Russian aggression.
**Ukraine Signs Deal with US Company**
In a separate development, Ukraine signed a major deal with US company Swift Beat to co-produce various types of drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 3 during his visit to Denmark.
The agreement comes as Ukraine continues to strengthen its military in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. “We will continue to strengthen our army, train our troops, and involve more people in defense to deliver a strong response to the enemy,” said Ground Forces spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
