Trump Announces U.S. Arms Sales to NATO Allies to Support Ukraine Against Russia

Trump Announces U.S. Arms Sales to NATO Allies to Support Ukraine Against Russia
Washington | July 11, 2025

In response to Russia’s intensified drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is selling weapons to European NATO allies, who are then providing them to Ukraine.

In an interview with NBC on Thursday, President Trump said:

“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying 100% for them. Then NATO gives those weapons to Ukraine — and NATO is covering the cost.”

Explanation from the Secretary of State

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that many of the U.S.-made weapons needed by Ukraine are already available in the stockpiles of European allies. As a result, those countries can supply them to Ukraine more rapidly, and later replenish their inventories by purchasing new weapons from the U.S.

Rubio said:

“It’s much faster to move weapons from Germany to Ukraine than to manufacture them in an American factory and ship them overseas.”

Patriot Missiles in High Demand

The Patriot air defense system has emerged as Ukraine’s most critical defensive weapon, as Russia continues to launch ballistic and cruise missile attacks on a regular basis.

While the Trump administration was previously hesitant to supply these systems, it has now agreed to resume defensive military aid following recent escalations. Several European countries—including Germany, Spain, and Norway—currently possess Patriot systems and have committed to aiding Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Requests and Russian Assaults

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested 10 additional Patriot systems and accompanying missiles. Germany has pledged two, and Norway has pledged one so far.

In one of the largest attacks to date, Russia launched over 700 drones and missiles in a single night, damaging a maternity hospital in Kharkiv and injuring nine people. Another drone strike in Odesa during daylight hours left nine more people wounded.

UN Figures and Humanitarian Toll

According to the UN Human Rights Mission, in June 2025 alone, 232 people were killed and 1,343 injured — marking the worst monthly toll in the past three years. Compared to last year, Russia has used ten times more drones and missiles in its recent assaults.

Ukraine Launches ‘Clear Sky’ Defense Program

In response to the drone strikes, the Ukrainian government has launched a new defense initiative called “Clear Sky,” which involves a $6.2 million investment to develop interceptor drones, conduct training, and build mobile defense units.

Zelenskyy stated:

“We’ve already developed effective interceptor drones. What we need now is funding. We have a solution—now we need international support.”

Trump-Zelenskyy Dialogue

Zelenskyy described his recent conversation with President Trump as “very constructive,” noting that they discussed expanded defense cooperation and emergency response strategies on the battlefield.