Kyiv [Ukraine], July 15: The US and Europe have made a series of new moves to increase security aid to Ukraine, preparing to increase pressure on Russia with sanctions and oil price ceilings.
The Hill newspaper on July 14 quoted US President Donald Trump announcing that the US would send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, while expressing disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the lack of progress in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
"I haven't agreed on the number yet, but they will have some systems because they need to be protected and the European Union (EU) will pay for it. We don't pay anything but we will send the system," Mr. Trump said.
America's Plan
According to Axios, citing informed sources, President Trump is expected to announce a new plan soon, including equipping Ukraine with offensive weapons and long-range missiles that can hit targets deep inside Russian territory. US, European and Ukrainian officials hope the new weapons will help change the trajectory of the conflict, as well as President Putin's calculations about the ceasefire.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on July 14 to discuss security and sanctions against Russia. According to Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, the topics that the two sides need to discuss include defense, strengthening security, weapons, measures to protect Ukrainian people, strengthening Ukraine-US cooperation and sanctions against Russia. Speaking on the evening of July 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had instructed his generals to provide Mr. Kellogg with information about Russia's capabilities and Ukraine's prospects, with the hope that the US would understand what needs to be done to "force Russia to accept peace".
In the US, Senator Lindsey Graham said the majority of Senate members support a bill that is about to be voted on, giving President Trump more power to sanction Russia. The bill proposes that the US President has the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on any country that helps Russia or buys goods from this country.
European efforts
In an effort to coordinate support for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius traveled to Washington on July 14 to meet with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth. According to Reuters, Mr. Pistorius will discuss Berlin's proposal to purchase Patriot missile systems to aid Ukraine. Previously, Germany provided 3 Patriot systems to Ukraine . In an interview with the Financial Times on July 13, Mr. Pistorius said that Germany will not provide Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, but will provide Patriot systems purchased from the US.
Regarding the EU's general move, according to Reuters citing sources, the alliance is close to agreeing on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including lowering the price ceiling for Russian oil. Members are expected to agree on the sanctions package for approval at the EU foreign ministers' conference in Belgium on July 15.
Russia has condemned the sanctions as illegal and accused the West of exploiting the conflict in Ukraine to stifle its development. RT quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying that the proposed law to impose tariffs of up to 500% "will not fundamentally change the situation" and that Russia will continue on its "independent, sovereign and sustainable" path.
Regarding Western weapons aid to Ukraine, according to Sputnik, Russia believes that it hinders the settlement of the conflict and invites direct involvement from NATO countries.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
