President Trump has indicated that some of the arms could eventually be transferred to Ukraine.
President Donald Trump has stated that NATO allies will be required to pay the full cost for US-made weaponry, suggesting that some of these arms might be destined for Ukraine.
Since his initial term, the US president has been urging European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their defense, including increasing their financial contributions.
In an interview with NBC, released on Friday, Trump detailed his future approach to arms provisions to the military alliance. He stated, “We send weapons to NATO, and NATO is going to reimburse the full cost of those weapons,” clarifying, “NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%.”
He further mentioned that after Washington’s NATO allies acquire these weapons, “then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine].”
NBC reported that it remains unclear whether Trump was referencing discussions among European NATO nations regarding a plan to procure weapons on behalf of Kiev. According to a Politico source last week, while the proposal is under consideration, any arms transfers would still necessitate US approval, potentially leading to further negotiations for indirect deliveries.
Trump has consistently maintained that US’ NATO partners rely excessively on the US, citing what he describes as persistent underfunding. In February, he even implied that the US might not defend member states failing to meet their financial obligations against a potential Russian attack.
During last month’s NATO summit in the Netherlands, alliance members approved a new objective to allocate a minimum of 5% of their GDP to defense procurement and military assistance, an increase from the long-standing 2% target, which numerous members have historically failed to meet.
Reports of the procurement scheme discussions surfaced after the US temporarily suspended weapons shipments to Ukraine, justifying the decision by asserting the need to maintain US weapon stockpiles to ensure “our own success on the battlefield.”
This suspension, reportedly initiated by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without White House approval, has since been lifted, with Trump confirming that “some defensive weapons” are now being supplied to Kiev.
Moscow has consistently condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that they only prolong the conflict without altering its ultimate outcome. Russia has also dismissed media speculation regarding potential plans to attack NATO countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently accused Western leaders of attempting to divert their citizens’ attention from domestic economic and social issues by “demonizing” Russia and portraying it as a threat.
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