After much hesitation, Washington announced specific steps: deliveries of Patriot missiles, a new format of assistance, and tough economic pressure if Moscow refuses peace. Zelensky called this a chance to end the war, saying that Trump understands Putin's deception. However, some allies are reluctant to hand over their systems, and the implementation of these promises still requires coordination.
Russia attacked Ukraine amid a US ultimatum
On Wednesday night, Russia launched out a massive attack with drones and ballistic missiles on four Ukrainian cities – Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia, and Odesa. According to official data, at least 15 people were injured. The main targets were energy facilities. The attack took place shortly after Trump gave the Kremlin 50 days to agree to peace. At the same time, Kyiv is expecting a third round of negotiations, but the date has not yet been set. According to Zelensky, “Russia is not changing its strategy,” and Ukraine needs more air defense and determination in response.
Arms deliveries under Trump's new initiative have elicited mixed reactions. On the one hand, the promised Patriots appear to represent a tougher approach by the White House. However, a number of American and European officials have expressed concern that the 50-day delay will give Putin time to prepare new offensives. Analysts, including the Institute for the Study of War, point out that the Kremlin is counting on the "theory of victory through prolonging the war" and believes it can survive the latest sanctions.
A Shift in Trump's Rhetoric: Patriotism at the expense of allies
President Trump has altered his stance on supporting Ukraine, suggesting that NATO allies provide Kyiv with weapons and that the U.S. sell them replacements. The relevant agreements were reached during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Patriot systems, which Ukraine has long sought, are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. However, some allied countries only learned of the plan after it was announced. As Trump said, "We will create the most modern weapons, and they will be sent to NATO."
Despite the positive reaction from Kyiv and some European governments, critics point out that the details of the agreement have yet to be determined. Some allies, notably Greece and Spain, are reluctant to sacrifice their systems due to their own needs. European diplomats emphasize that their support is their own, not Trump's. Many countries were not informed in advance, so the negotiation and distribution processes may be delayed. At the same time, Trump noted that "talk is not enough — action is needed," demonstrating his intention to pressure the Kremlin through intermediaries.
Keith Kellogg honored the memory of Ukrainian children who died
During his visit to Kyiv, US Special Representative Keith Kellogg visited a memorial dedicated to children who died as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine. In a post on X he wrote, "Honor and respect for their deaths are not paid with flowers, but with soft toys. The killing of civilians, especially children, must stop. The US president has made it clear: the killings must stop." This visit was a symbolic gesture of support and a sign of the growing pressure the US is putting on Moscow for its crimes against the civilian population.
In addition, Kellogg held a meeting with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. They discussed ways to strengthen the defense partnership, particularly in the context of bipartisan support for the new sanctions law against Russia. "The time has come to promote peace through force," Sybiga said, emphasizing his gratitude to President Trump for the decision to transfer Patriot systems and other weapons to Ukraine alongside allies.
In turn, Kellogg warned, that the United States "supports peace through strength and will help Ukraine achieve an 'America First' model for its country."
"A model that prioritizes sovereignty, long-term security, and economic prosperity over globalism," he added.
Zelensky: Putin fears the US and avoids strikes during American visits
In a comment to Newsmax Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that after General Kellogg's arrival in Kyiv, massive Russian shelling stopped for two days. He believes this indicates that Putin fears the United States and deliberately restrains attacks in the presence of American officials.
"What does this mean? It means that Putin deliberately bombs the civilian population. But when the Americans are here, he doesn't,” Zelensky added, jokingly suggesting that Kellogg be given a Ukrainian passport so he would stay in the country.
The Ukrainian president joked that Kellogg should be given a Ukrainian passport to ensure he stays in the country. However, according to Zelensky, this humor reveals an understanding of how dependent Putin is on external pressure. Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its help during the full-scale war and expressed hope that President Trump would fulfill his promises, particularly those regarding powerful sanctions and the transfer of air defense systems. Zelensky also stressed that, unlike Joe Biden, he believes Trump can stop the war.
Volodymyr Zelensky also stated, that Donald Trump has realized that Putin is deceiving him.
"President Trump realizes that Putin is lying to him. It is important that he sees this for himself,” said Zelensky.
He added that Ukraine has supported all U.S. initiatives to cease fire, but Putin has consistently broken his promises by continuing to shell Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president expressed his conviction that it is crucial for the United States to prevent Ukraine from being defeated. He said that there was a breakthrough in the supply of defense systems, primarily Patriot systems, in July. Zelensky thanked the White House for supporting the sanctions package, which is expected to significantly reduce the Kremlin's income from energy resources. "After all, he spends all this money on the war machine," said the head of state, stressing that economic pressure will be critical to achieving peace.
Author: Danylo Pievchev