"Disappointed in Russia... Will Watch What Happens Over the Next 2 to 3 Weeks"
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will make a "major statement" regarding Russia on the 14th (local time).
In a phone interview with NBC on the 10th, President Trump said, "I am disappointed with Russia, but I will watch what happens over the next two to three weeks," adding, "On Monday (the 14th), I will make a major statement about Russia."
During the interview, President Trump also commented on the transfer of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine. He stated, "We are sending weapons to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and NATO is paying 100% of the cost for those weapons." NBC pointed out that it is unclear whether President Trump's remarks refer to a recently proposed plan in which NATO member states would purchase U.S.-made weapons on behalf of the United States to relieve the U.S. of its burden.
Regarding the recent halt of weapons shipments to Ukraine at the unilateral direction of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, President Trump said, "I don't know anything about that," and added, "He is doing an excellent job." Secretary Hegseth reportedly ordered a halt to weapons shipments to Ukraine on July 1, citing the need to inspect U.S. military stockpiles. It has been revealed that the U.S. State Department and the White House were not informed of this decision in advance, which sparked controversy.
Additionally, in the interview, President Trump stated that he expects the additional sanctions bill against Russia, proposed by hardline Senator Lindsey Graham, to pass in the Senate. He emphasized, "Senators will pass a very important and strong sanctions bill," and added, "Whether it will be enforced depends on the president."
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