When asked why he isn't sending air defense systems to Ukraine to protect its cities from Russian air attacks, Trump responded:

"We're not sending them because we want to know if Ukraine wants to negotiate (the mineral deal)."

Trump once again cited the figure of $350 billion allegedly provided by the U.S. for Ukraine's defense, when the correct amount—confirmed by Congress, which is controlled by his own party—is less than $120 billion, a sum smaller than what Europe has provided.

This statement confirms that Trump is blocking military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure the Ukrainians into signing the mineral deal—something that President Zelensky has said, since Friday, when he was expelled from the White House by Trump, that he remains willing to sign.