Trump plans to announce a new military aid plan for Ukraine: shifting to provide offensive weapons, possibly including long-range missiles. 1. Significant shift in military aid plan: from 'defensive' to 'offensive'
Timeline: Trump is set to announce the new military aid plan for Ukraine on July 14, which may include long-range missiles, enabling the Ukrainian army to strike within Russian territory (including Moscow).
Policy shift: Previously, Trump only promised to provide 'defensive weapons'; if he confirms the provision of offensive weapons this time, it marks a clear hardening of his stance towards Russia.
Background factors:
NATO summit push: This plan is based on Zelensky's request at the NATO summit two weeks ago.
Trump's changing attitude towards Putin: South Carolina Senator Graham stated, 'Trump is very angry with Putin,' suggesting further deterioration in US-Russia relations.
2. NATO sharing costs: 'Patriot' air defense system funded by allies
Trump's statement:
The US will provide the 'Patriot' missile system to Ukraine through NATO, but the costs will be borne by NATO member countries.
Emphasizing 'this is just business for us,' showing that his 'transactional mindset' dominates military aid strategy.
No specific details:
No specific number of aid or which countries will share the costs has been announced, which may lead to disputes among allies.
3. Trump criticizes Powell again: Pressures Federal Reserve Chairman to resign
Latest remarks: Trump stated, 'Powell should resign because he is detrimental to the country,' and suggested he might seek to fire him.
Legal restrictions:
House Financial Services Committee Chair Hill emphasized that the president does not have the authority to directly replace the Federal Reserve Chairman.
White House economic advisor Hassett stated that if there are 'justifiable reasons' (such as mismanagement), Trump may push for impeachment procedures.
Deep-seated contradictions:
Trump has long been dissatisfied with Federal Reserve policies; this time he is using the issue of budget overruns at headquarters to apply pressure, attempting to influence the direction of monetary policy.
Key impact analysis
Geopolitical risk escalation: If the Ukrainian army gains long-range strike capabilities, Russia may take more aggressive countermeasures, increasing the risk of conflict spillover.
Internal NATO divisions: The issue of sharing military aid costs may expose contradictions among allies, especially as countries like Germany and France are cautious about their stance on aiding Ukraine.
Federal Reserve independence challenged: Trump's continued attacks on Powell may disrupt market expectations about the stability of monetary policy.
Points of observation: Specific content of the military aid plan on the 14th, Russian response, and subsequent NATO actions.