President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sell weapons to NATO allies with the intention that these allies will then transfer the arms to Ukraine, according to three sources familiar with the discussions, as reported by Axios.
In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Trump appeared to confirm these plans.
Trump Plans To Supply Weapons To Ukraine Via NATO
NATO Significance:
This marks a significant policy shift for Trump, who has grown increasingly disillusioned with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Previously, Trump had resisted sending new arms packages to Ukraine, partly to avoid direct involvement in the conflict.
Official Statements:
Two administration officials denied that the plan entailed Trump directly arming Ukraine. One official stated, “POTUS is sending defensive weapons to NATO. NATO can decide what to do with it. We’re not sending weapons to Ukraine.” However, Trump himself clarified in the NBC interview that the weapons would ultimately be transferred to Ukraine, saying, “So what we’re doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons.”
Background:
This approach was first discussed at the recent NATO summit and has been a topic of conversation with both Ukraine and European allies, according to sources familiar with the matter. One source indicated that the sales could include offensive weaponry, not limited to air defense systems. A senior European official confirmed such discussions had taken place but noted no final plan had been established.
No specific timeline or operational details have been provided by the sources.
Context: NATO
Since taking office, Trump has allowed some arms shipments to Ukraine initiated during the Biden administration but has not approved any new packages. He has consistently opposed overt involvement in the conflict, reflecting sentiments within his political base that are generally wary of direct support for Ukraine.
Trump has criticized President Biden for committing substantial funds to what he describes as an open-ended war. By selling weapons through NATO allies rather than providing direct aid, Trump may seek to differentiate his approach while preparing for a policy that would have been unlikely a few months ago.
Additional Developments:
Trump is also reportedly considering a Russia sanctions package promoted by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). However, a White House official indicated Trump would not sign the package unless it grants him “100% flexibility” to implement or withdraw sanctions as he deems necessary.
Challenges: NATO
Senior administration officials had previously downplayed the likelihood of new weapons transfers, emphasizing Trump’s desire to disengage from the conflict. Yet, escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities appear to have influenced his stance. One official noted, “Everything is a negotiation.”
The Pentagon recently froze a shipment to Ukraine that included critical air defense systems, a decision Trump reversed earlier this week, citing Ukraine’s urgent need for defensive capabilities amid ongoing Russian drone attacks.
Looking Ahead:
While arms shipments to Ukraine were expected to decline as Biden-era funding expires, Trump’s emerging willingness to sell weapons via NATO allies could alter the trajectory of U.S. support for Ukraine.
