US military shipment to Ukraine officially resumes, says Zelenskyy as Russia pounds Kyiv

The resumption of US military supplies to Ukraine has taken effect, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, as Russia intensifies attacks against Kyiv.

Washington had halted the shipment of defensive arms to Ukraine last week, but resumed the transfer a few days later after Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the impact of the pause on the country’s defence against Russia.

Amid Russia’s increased attacks over the past few weeks, the Ukrainian president had requested 10 more Patriot missiles that detect and intercept oncoming missiles and are regarded as one of the best air defence systems in the world.

US supplies weapons via Nato

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States would supply weapons to Ukraine via Nato.

Trump also told NBC News about what he called a new deal between the US, Nato allies and Ukraine over weapons shipment from the United States.

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“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%. So what we’re doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons,” Trump said.

“We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons,” he added.

‘Will make major announcement’

Meanwhile, the US president has expressed “disappointment” over his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, saying that he will make a “major statement” on Russia coming Monday.

“I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” Trump told NBC News in a telephone interview on Thursday. The Potus went on to reiterate his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin over the country’s continued attack on Ukraine.

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He also insisted that he is expecting the US Senate to pass a tougher sanctions bill against Russia. “It’s at my option if I want to use it,” Trump said of the measure. “They’re going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but it’s up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it.

With inputs from agencies