Trump expected to make ‘surprise announcement’ as Senator Graham predicts ‘record’ arms support for Ukraine

US President Donald Trump is expected to make a surprise announcement on Monday that could lead to an unprecedented surge in American weapons deliveries to Ukraine, according to senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

In an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Graham suggested that a significant increase in military aid could soon be unveiled, potentially financed through a “trillion-dollar mineral deal” and frozen Russian assets held in Western banks.

“If the Europeans are only going to transfer interest on frozen funds, then US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant is going to go even further,” Graham said. He urged viewers to “pay attention” to a forthcoming plan involving more aggressive use of frozen Russian assets and expanded US arms sales to European allies - moves that, he said, would benefit Ukraine directly.

Graham, a vocal supporter of military aid to Kyiv, said Russian President Vladimir Putin had underestimated the resolve of the West.

“Putin believed that Europe and the United States would grow tired of this war. He miscalculated. NATO is larger and stronger than Russia, and it will not allow Ukraine to be conquered,” he said.

The senator also hinted that Congress is close to approving what he described as the most robust sanctions package in US history, including sweeping secondary sanctions targeting Russian oil exports. Under the proposed legislation, countries purchasing Russian oil could face punitive tariffs - potentially up to 500% - if they attempt to re-export goods to the US.

“This will give President Trump tools he doesn’t have today,” Graham said. “I spoke with President Trump last week. He told me it’s time to act.”

Graham stated that Trump had spent the past six months attempting to bring Putin to the negotiating table.