Trump to Make Major Statement on Russia on the 14th...Expects Strong Sanctions Bill

Disappointed in Russia... Will Watch Developments Over the Next 2 to 3 Weeks
NATO Pays for U.S.-Supplied Weapons

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will make an "important statement" regarding Russia on the 14th (local time).

In a phone interview with NBC News on the 10th, President Trump revealed this plan, saying, "I am disappointed in Russia, but I will see what happens over the next two to three weeks."

Previously, as Russia intensified its airstrikes on Ukraine, President Trump stated on the 7th, "They (Ukraine) must be able to defend themselves," and announced his intention to resume military aid.

Recently, as Russia has not responded to calls for a ceasefire and instead intensified its offensive against Ukraine, President Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. When asked about his position on the war in Ukraine, he said, "I think I will make a major statement on Russia on Monday (the 14th)," avoiding further specifics.

In the same interview, President Trump also mentioned the transfer of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine. He explained, "We are sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying 100% of the cost for those weapons. So the weapons we send go to NATO, and then NATO wants to give those weapons (to Ukraine). NATO is paying for those weapons."

NBC noted that it is unclear whether President Trump's remarks refer to a recently proposed plan in which some NATO member states would purchase U.S.-made weapons on behalf of Ukraine in order to relieve the burden on the United States.

Regarding the recent suspension of weapons shipments to Ukraine due to the unilateral decision of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, President Trump said, "I don't know anything about that," and added that Hegseth "is doing a great job."

Additionally, in the interview, he said he expects the additional Russia sanctions bill, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham of North Carolina, a hardliner on Russia, to pass in the Senate. He emphasized, "They (the senators) will pass a very important and strong sanctions bill," and added, "It is up to the president to exercise it."