‘NATO Is Paying For Those Weapons’: U.S. To Send Weapons to Ukraine Through NATO

Latest Developments

Deal Struck for Weapons: President Donald Trump said on July 10 that the United States struck a deal with NATO to deliver U.S. weapons to Ukraine through the military alliance, which would pay for the weapons. In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated, “We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100 percent, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine].” Trump added that the deal was made during the NATO summit in The Hague in June.
U.S. Speaking to Multiple European Nations: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is speaking with several European nations, including Spain and Germany, about sending Patriot air defense batteries to Ukraine. “The Spaniards have them … The Germans have them, others have them,” Rubio stated. “Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it’d be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead,” he added. The developments came after the Pentagon announced on July 7 that the Defense Department would be sending “additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves,” following the administration’s brief pause of key munitions deliveries to Kyiv.
Trump Envoy To Visit Ukraine Amidst Intensified Russian Attacks: U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Ukrainian outlet Novyny Live that he will travel to Kyiv on July 14 for a week-long visit, although he did not disclose the details of his trip. The visit is set to coincide with a “major statement” from Trump regarding Russia after Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow’s aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities. On July 9, Russia launched some 741 Shahed-style unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), seven Iskander-K cruise missiles, and six Kinzhal ballistic missiles, primarily targeting western Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.

FDD Expert Response

“Strengthening Ukraine’s missile defenses saves Ukrainian lives, provides Trump with leverage in his dealings with Putin, and makes clear to Beijing that America does not grow tired of supporting democratic partners confronting unprovoked aggression. Sustained American security assistance to Ukraine while sprinting to further expand our defense production capacity and inventories is the best way to make Trump’s ‘peace through strength’ policy a reality.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center of Military and Political Power

“The president has wisely overridden his Defense Department leadership on the holding back of promised U.S. weapons, and now, he is making it possible for European nations to provide weapons to Ukraine and buy replacements from U.S. industry. Trump’s reaction is at least partially due to the nasty and tiresome behavior of Putin, who continually talks of the need for peace but acts out by striking Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure with drones and missiles.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Frustrated with Putin’s obstinacy, President Trump is moving in the right direction on Russia-Ukraine, threatening tougher sanctions and expressing willingness to supply more arms to Kyiv. Now, Trump needs to commit fully to this course of action. He already has the tools he needs to turn the screws on Russia’s energy and financial sectors — and should do so immediately. Meanwhile, Trump should ask Congress for a ‘Ukraine Leverage Package’ to support further military assistance for Kyiv.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director