Trump's Frustration with Putin Grows Amid Pentagon's Controversial Weapons Pause

Donald Trump was reportedly caught off guard by the Pentagon's abrupt decision to pause weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a move that he ultimately overturned. The Associated Press cited three sources familiar with the matter, one of whom described Trump as being taken by surprise by the announcement last week. A spokesperson for the Pentagon denied that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had acted without consulting the president. When confronted by a reporter on Tuesday about who had approved the pause, Trump seemed unaware and bristled at the question, asking, "I don't know. Why don't you tell me?" During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump expressed his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, promising to send Ukraine 10 Patriot missiles, which are reportedly in short supply. He stated, "We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless." When asked whether he hoped for further sanctions against Russia, Trump replied, "I’m looking at it," showcasing his discontent with the Kremlin. On Monday, he indicated disappointment with Putin and confirmed the decision to resume arms supplies to Ukraine, reversing the Pentagon's pause. In related developments, Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk city which they claimed killed three people, including a Russian serviceman, and injured seven. Alexander Khinshtein, the acting governor of the region, asserted that a National Guard member had been trying to evacuate civilians during the drone strike. This attack reportedly also targeted a hospital in the town of Rylsk, injuring two people and causing significant damage. However, Ukraine has consistently denied targeting civilians during the conflict, asserting that their operations focus on military facilities and personnel. In another significant move, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is set to establish its own pretrial detention centers, following a bill passed by the lower house of parliament. This development resurrects a power that was previously abolished after the dissolution of the Soviet-era KGB. Lawmakers argue that this measure is a necessary response to an increase in intelligence and subversive activities from foreign entities since the onset of the war. Additionally, a group of men have been convicted in connection with an arson attack orchestrated by the banned Russian terrorist organization Wagner, targeting a warehouse in East London that supplied humanitarian aid and Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine. The group had further plotted additional arson attacks in London's Mayfair district and the kidnapping of a Russian dissident, although they did not succeed in these efforts. The convicted individuals are scheduled to be sentenced on a date to be determined in the autumn. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2