Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on July 8, Trump said he found his recent talks with Putin “disappointing,” citing the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “Putin is not treating human beings right,” he said. “He’s killing too many people, so we’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine. I’ve approved that.”

Although reports last week indicated the Pentagon had paused some arms shipments due to low inventories, Trump and the Department of Defense later confirmed that fresh deliveries would go ahead.

Trump added that he was seriously considering new sanctions: “I’m looking at it very strongly.”

Senate Pushes for Tougher Sanctions

A bipartisan bill led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal—the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025—proposes a 500% tariff on goods from countries importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other resources. Trump said the bill includes a waiver that gives him full discretion: “It’s totally at my option… and I’m looking at it.”

Graham praised Trump’s stance, stating that “Putin is playing games, and it’s time to change the game.” The proposed sanctions could also target countries like China and India, which maintain strong energy ties with Russia.