Kremlin Needs Time To Clarify US-Supported Weapons To Ukraine

The Kremlin says it will take time to clarify what weapons are supplied and will be supplied by the United States to Ukraine after President Donald Trump said Washington should send more weapons to Kyiv.

Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, especially defense weapons, to help the war-torn country defend itself from rising Russian attacks.

When asked about Trump's statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were many conflicting statements about the supply of US weapons to Ukraine, although it was clear European arms shipments were continuing.

"Obviously, supply continues, it is clear. Obviously, Europeans are actively involved in supplying Ukraine with weapons," Peskov said.

"Regarding what kind of supply Ukraine continues to receive from the United States, it still takes time to clarify this definitively."

Russia, which continues to advance at various points along the front lines, currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine including Crimea, the entire Luhansk, the largest part of three other regions, and a fraction of the three additional regions.

Peskov said Moscow appreciates Trump's efforts to initiate direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and there is significant potential to restart Russia-US trade and economic ties.

"But at this time, the United States is implementing a number of restrictions. We believe that these sanctions are illegal, and not only harm our employers, but also US businessmen," Peskov said.