On May 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration was considering increasing military aid to Ukraine, but that a diplomatic settlement with Russia remained the top priority. The statement came in an interview with Fox News after a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the prospects for a ceasefire. Trump stressed that it would be clear in two to four weeks whether Ukraine was making enough efforts to achieve peace.

"I will consider options for increasing arms supplies to Kyiv, but I believe in the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine," "Trump said, adding that he does not intend to tighten sanctions against Russia in order to preserve space for negotiations.

He also noted that Russia, in his opinion, is not dragging out the dialogue, unlike Ukraine, which he called "difficult to communicate with." According to Trump, there will be no American troops in Ukraine, and the conflict should be resolved by Europe, which, in his opinion, should bear the main responsibility.

Trump’s announcement follows the recent resumption of military sales to Ukraine. On May 1, 2025, the Trump administration approved the first sale of military equipment worth more than $50 million since the start of his presidency, following the signing of a minerals deal, The Guardian reported. In addition, on May 2, the US State Department certified the sale of $16 million in F-310 parts and support, the second step since the March pause in sales. These steps are linked to an agreement signed on April 30 to create an investment fund to rebuild Ukraine using revenues from its mineral resources. Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called the deal “a step toward attracting global investment.”

However, relations between Washington and Kiev remain tense. In March 2025, Trump suspended all military aid to Ukraine after a row with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, accusing him of “ingratitude” and “not being ready for peace.” The pause affected more than $1 billion in supplies, including HIMARS and Patriot missiles and artillery shells, raising concerns in Kyiv. Zelensky, commenting on a call with Trump on May 19, said that “no decision will be made about Ukraine without its consent” and proposed new talks in Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland.