Trump Announces U.S. Weapon Supply Plan to NATO for Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with NATO to supply weapons to Ukraine, with NATO covering the full cost, reports 24brussels.
In an interview with NBC News on July 10, Trump stated, “We are sending weapons to NATO, and NATO pays for these weapons one hundred percent… We will send Patriot [missile systems] to NATO, and then NATO will distribute them.”
Furthermore, Trump announced that he would make an “important statement” regarding Russia on July 14, though he did not provide further details.
“I am disappointed with Russia… on Monday, I will make an important statement regarding Russia,” he said.
According to reports, this marks the first instance in which Trump, following his return to the White House, will directly send arms to Kyiv within the scope of presidential powers often exercised by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump’s team will identify which arms from U.S. stockpiles can be sent to Ukraine under the U.S. president’s authority to reduce military supplies, potentially amounting to around $300 million. These powers allow the U.S. president to utilize military stock for ally support in emergencies. Until now, the Trump administration had mainly expedited weapons transfers sanctioned by Biden, a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Trump, who previously promised a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war, has shown a conciliatory tone towards Moscow, diverging from a policy of firm support for Kyiv. However, following the approval of defensive weapon supplies to Ukraine, he recently issued unusually direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that the Kremlin leader’s statements regarding peace efforts are, in fact, “nonsensical.” Trump is also considering backing a legislative proposal that would implement severe anti-Russian sanctions, including a 500% tariff on countries that purchase oil, gas, uranium, and other goods from Russia.
The motivations behind Trump’s policy toward Ukraine—whether driven by ego, emotions, or interests—are analyzed in the article “Trump Against Himself: Who Will Prevail – the ‘Dominator’ or the ‘Deal Genius’?” by Oleg Shamshur.
