In a notable shift in his administration’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, Donald Trump is preparing to deliver weapons to Ukraine by routing them through NATO allies, signalling a tougher stance on Russia as frustrations mount over stalled peace negotiations and continued attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Donald Trump confirmed a deal with NATO leaders to facilitate weapons transfers to Ukraine, adding that he will make a “major announcement” on Russia soon. The move comes after the US paused direct weapons shipments to Ukraine due to depleting stockpiles, including critical Patriot air defence missiles, as the Pentagon assessed its reserves. Donald Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, is set to visit Kyiv to discuss these plans and address Ukraine’s urgent need for defensive support amid escalating Russian strikes.
Plans for Indirect Supply and Sanctions
Under the proposed arrangement, the US would sell weapons to NATO allies, who would then supply them to Ukraine, allowing Washington to support Kyiv indirectly while maintaining political leverage. Donald Trump clarified that NATO nations would pay for the weapons, shifting the direct decision to arm Ukraine to NATO rather than Washington, which would represent a significant change from previous US policy.
Donald Trump also voiced his backing for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, which proposes severe sanctions against Russia, including a 500% tariff on imports from nations buying Russian oil, potentially impacting China and India. Donald Trump described the sanctions as “very major and biting,” indicating a readiness to adopt stricter measures against Russia while seeking to sustain Ukraine’s defences without exhausting US supplies further.
Urgent Needs Amid Ongoing Strikes
The urgency of the proposed measures is underscored by the recent intensification of Russian attacks on Ukraine, with hundreds of drones and missiles striking Kyiv and other regions, leading to civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Ukraine remains heavily reliant on US-made weapons, including Himars long-range missiles and artillery shells, to defend itself against Russian advances.
Amid these developments, NATO allies like Germany are reportedly negotiating to purchase weapons from the US for transfer to Ukraine. This approach reflects the growing urgency to reinforce Ukraine’s defences while managing the challenges of limited US military stockpiles and rising global tensions.
As Donald Trump signals a new phase of support for Ukraine, the international community will be closely watching how this strategy unfolds, its impact on the war dynamics, and whether it will pressure Russia towards meaningful negotiations in the coming weeks.
