Trump reportedly weighing billions in new military aid to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering allocating several billion dollars in new military aid to Ukraine — a potential policy shift that comes amid growing frustration with recent Russian attacks. This would mark the first such aid initiative by Trump since taking office in January.

According to CBS News, which cites sources within American diplomatic circles and relayed by Ukrinform, the new funding could serve as a pointed message to Russia following a series of recent drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

The exact funding source is still under discussion. However, US officials have pointed out that Trump could tap into $3.85 billion in remaining presidential drawdown authority left over from the Biden administration. This mechanism allows for the rapid transfer of military equipment directly from US stockpiles.

Another possibility under consideration is the confiscation of approximately $5 billion in frozen Russian assets currently held in the US While presidents have the legal authority to redirect such funds, neither Trump nor Biden has previously taken that step.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has provided tens of billions in military assistance. Trump had long been critical of this level of support, frequently urging both Kyiv and Moscow to pursue a negotiated peace.

But his tone appears to have shifted in recent days. Trump reportedly expressed anger following a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and later told reporters that Russia’s continued aggression may force his hand.

“Putin is not treating human beings right. He's killing too many people,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “So we're sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I've approved that.”