U.S. to send more weapons to Ukraine

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will send more weapons to Ukraine.

Ukraine says it’s requesting more patriot air defense systems.

President Trump says it’s good for the U.S. economy and bad for Russia as he looks to turn up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening,” said Trump.

President Trump says he wants the war between Russia and Ukraine to end but Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t cooperating.

The president says he made a deal with European allies to send American patriot missiles to Ukraine.

“But the European Union is paying for it. We’re not paying for it. But we will send it. It will be business for us,” said Trump.

On Capitol Hill a bipartisan group of senators say they hope to pass a sanctions bill punishing Russia.

The bill would put a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil gas and uranium.

“A multifaceted approach here is the only way to bring Putin to the table…because he’s a thug,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal sponsored the bill.  They say China, India and Brazil buy a majority of Russian energy and that helps fund Russia’s war effort.

Congressional leaders say they hope to pass the bill before Congress leaves for its August recess.

“I think you do see broad bipartisan support for the sanctions bill against Russia,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

The White House says President Trump will meet with the NATO secretary general Monday and will be making a major announcement about Ukraine.