US President Donald Trump accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of talking “nonsense” about Ukraine.

Trump said the US would send more weapons to Kiev to defend itself, AFP reported.

The US president's promise reflects his growing dissatisfaction with the Kremlin leader over the ongoing war that Moscow started almost three and a half years ago.

“Putin is telling us a lot of nonsense, if you want to know the truth. He's very nice all the time, but ultimately it's meaningless,” Trump said during a televised cabinet meeting at the White House.

He reiterated that he was “very unhappy” with Putin, as their phone call last week did not lead to any progress on the peace agreement for Ukraine, which the US president has been pushing for since he returned to power.

Asked about his interest in a bill proposed by the Senate for further sanctions against Russia, Trump replied, “I'm looking at it very seriously.”

Trump's criticism of Putin came a day after he said he would send more weapons to Ukraine, a reversal of Washington's announcement last week that it would halt some arms deliveries.

The head of state, who alarmed Kiev and Western allies with his change in attitude toward Putin shortly after his return to the White House, confirmed this decision today.

“Putin doesn't treat people well. He kills too many people. That's why we're sending some defensive weapons, and I approved that,” he said.

Trump promised to immediately send 10 Patriot missiles — anti-missile systems — to Ukraine, according to the American news site Axios.

He also called on Pentagon chief Pete Hagseth to urge military suppliers to increase weapons production.

“We need to speed them up, Pete, and let them produce at a much higher rate,” he said. | BGNES