‘Pissed’ Trump Plans to Unveil ‘Aggressive’ Ukraine Arms Deal in Swipe at Putin: Report

(Associated Press)

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to unveil a major escalation in U.S. support for Ukraine after growing increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to entertain a ceasefire.

The president is expected to announce a NATO-backed weapons deal that includes offensive systems capable of striking deep inside Russia.

Two sources familiar with the plan told Axios the package could include long-range missiles, a red line Trump had previously avoided crossing to prevent provoking Putin while he remained optimistic about peace talks.

The rollout is expected during Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Under the plan, European countries would foot the bill for American-made weapons, which would then be delivered to Ukraine.

Trump confirmed to reporters on Sunday that the arms would include “various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment,” including the Patriot air defense system.

“European countries are going to pay us 100% for them,” he added. “It is going to be business for us.”

Trump’s newfound hawkishness reportedly follows a tense July 3 phone call with Putin, in which the Russian leader made clear he intended to ramp up his military campaign over the next 60 days.

“He wants to take all of it,” Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron shortly afterward, a source briefed on the call told Axios.

“Trump is really pissed at Putin,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told the outlet. “His announcement tomorrow is going to be very aggressive.”

Since the call, Russia has unleashed several waves of devastating drone attacks across Ukraine.

The White House has not yet commented on the reported weapons plan.