Location at a glance: Selenskyj thanks Trump for more weapons and pressure on Moscow

Ukraine reacts behavior to the announcements by US President Donald Trump, delivering massive weapons and wanting to increase the pressure on Russia. “Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and continue to work together to end the murder and create a permanent and just peace,” wrote the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj after a phone call to Trump on the platform X. It was Russia that must be forced to talk to peace. “And that is exactly what happens.”

Trump had previously announced that the Europeans would sell weapons for Ukraine. In addition, he announced tariffs of 100 percent for the supporters of Moscow if there is no agreement within 50 days of the end of the Russian attack war. Trump said about the weapons: “We don’t buy them, but we will make them.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also mentioned rockets and ammunition in the deal.

Matt Whitaker, US ambassador at NATO, told the CNN broadcaster that sanctions against countries who bought oil from Russia were planned. It is about tariffs for countries like India and China. “It will really have dramatic effects on the Russian economy.”

Selenskyj wants to send us special information to all information

After the phone call with Trump, Selenskyj continued that they had agreed to call each other more often and to coordinate steps in the future. “Thank you, Mr. President! Thank you America!” This war only lasts because of Russia and Putin, Selenskyj previously said in his evening video address.

He emphasized that Kiev would provide the US special envoy Keith Kellogg all information about the situation on the fronts and Russia’s new offensive preparations. “Russia still has the means – the means of destroying the life of its neighbors.” But the world now knows “where it has to strike so that Putin feels pain and Russia feels the need to seek peace”. Russia’s funds for the war would definitely have to be shortened.

Kellogg arrived in Kiev on Monday for a lasting visit to the Ukraine. Above all, he wants to get an idea of the current situation.

Klitschko accuses Trump of hesitation

The mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, accuses Trump because of the deadline against Russia. On the one hand, he is happy about the wave of support from the United States, but on the other hand he does not understand the reason to give Putin for 50 days, said Klitschko in the ARD talk show “Maischberger”.

In 50 days, many more people in the capital and all over Ukraine could be killed, many more buildings could be damaged, said Klitschko: “So: Why such a delay?” He thinks that Trump still hopes Putin will stop war, Klitschko tried to answer his question. However, he does not assume because Putin only understands strength.

Pistorius appeals to NATO allies

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius appealed to the European NATO allies to participate in the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine. “One thing is clear, and this is an appeal to all other European Member States of NATO: everyone has to open their wallets here,” said Pistorius the ARD “daily topics” before a visit to Washington.

With regard to Trump’s announcement, Pistorius said: “It will be shown whether it is really a turnaround. It is crucial that the pitch has changed here.” This is an “important signal for Ukraine, but also for Europe as a whole” and “significant progress”. It is important that the United States was there. “I prefer the United States are inside than outside. Because they simply have production capacities and can deliver systems that we do not have.”

Delivery of patriot systems is being prepared

Germany and the United States together prepare the delivery of two other Patriot air defense systems worth around two billion euros to Ukraine. The delivery of Germany is to be financed. The last technical, logistical and financial details still have to be clarified, said Pistorius after a meeting with his US colleague Pete Hegseth in Washington. However, they would “seem to be solvable for both of us, so we will quickly get to work”.

Ukraine urgently need additional air defense systems, said Pistorius. A few weeks ago, he already made Hegseth the proposal in a phone call to buy two patriot systems to the USA to deliver them to Ukraine. There are now two options: Either Germany buys two immediately available systems from US stocks, which are then delivered directly to Ukraine from there. Or the Bundeswehr initially provides Ukraine two of its systems and later gets replacement from the USA.

Merz appreciates Trump’s announcement

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) praised Trump’s announcement that Ukraine delivering weapons as a “important initiative”. “President Trump and I have advised this several times in the past few days. I have assured him: Germany will be able to contribute,” said Merz on platform X.