19-07-2025
Trump tells NATO to donate weapons to Kyiv, and buy them from US
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy to aid Ukraine without directly draining U.S. stockpiles: encourage European allies to donate their defense systems—especially Patriot missile batteries—and let the U.S. sell them modern replacements.
But turning that pitch into reality will be complicated.
Though Trump announced that some Patriot systems could arrive in Ukraine "within days," insiders say the plan is more of a concept than a fully developed strategy. Ten U.S. and European officials confirmed that key details—such as who gives up which weapons and when—are still under negotiation.
The U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system, prized for its ability to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, is in short supply and high demand among American allies. Trump's proposal hinges on NATO nations parting with their limited supply.
According to officials familiar with the initiative, Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte devised the plan recently. Kyiv welcomed the proposal, seeing it as a notable shift from Trump, who had spoken warmly of Russian President Vladimir Putin until recently.
Still, the rollout caught many off guard. Two European diplomats said they first heard of the plan as it was announced. Rutte named six NATO countries—Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada—as potential participants during his meeting with Trump. However, several of their embassies were not briefed in advance.
A NATO official confirmed that any future deliveries would be coordinated through its Security Assistance and Training mission in Germany, which manages military aid to Ukraine.
A key meeting of nations that own Patriot batteries, led by NATO's top military commander, is being considered for July 23. The goal: secure more air defense systems for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials say Washington may be open to sending additional offensive weapons under the plan, though Trump has cautioned that Ukraine should not attack Moscow directly.
Former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker said Trump's plan strikes a political balance, supporting Ukraine while appealing to Republicans skeptical of U.S. military aid. "He's shifting the burden to Europe, just like he promised his base," Volker said.
Trump's renewed toughness on Russia, insiders say, reflects a realization that Putin's territorial ambitions extend beyond Crimea and eastern Ukraine. "He no longer believes Putin is negotiating in good faith," said one senior U.S. official.
European leaders have cautiously welcomed Trump's change in tone but remain wary of footing the bill. Some countries—such as Greece and Spain—have resisted earlier requests to donate Patriot batteries, citing national security concerns.
U.S. officials are now combing through NATO inventories and exploring trade options. Through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program or other deals, allies might be persuaded to part with equipment in exchange for faster replacements.
Ultimately, Volker estimates Ukraine could receive 12–13 Patriot batteries, though deliveries could take up to a year. As one Pentagon official put it, "Now the hard part begins: convincing nations to give up their most prized defenses."
