Washington, 5July

US President Donald Trump expressed deep frustration after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was “very unhappy” and accusing Putin of wanting to “keep killing people” in Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump called the situation “very tough” and hinted he may soon toughen sanctions against Russia, which he has delayed for six months while attempting to convince Putin to end the war.

Trump also revealed he held a “very strategic call” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where they agreed to work on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses following Russia’s largest missile and drone attack of the conflict. In addition, Trump discussed the possibility of sending Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine during a separate call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, noting that Germany also believes Ukraine must be protected. Concerns continue to rise in Kyiv over delays in US military aid deliveries.