Trump Says U.S. Is Selling Weapons to NATO Allies So They Can Supply Ukraine

 WASHINGTON, JULY 13 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can quickly supply them to Ukraine, which is facing a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks.

“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying 100% for them,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News. “Then NATO sends those weapons to Ukraine.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that many of the U.S.-made weapons Ukraine needs are already deployed with NATO countries in Europe. These countries could send their stockpiles to Ukraine and then purchase replacements from the U.S., which would be much faster than producing new weapons and shipping them from America.

Ukraine is urgently asking for more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to protect itself from Russia’s aerial assaults. Just this week, Russia launched over 700 drones at Ukraine—its third massive wave of attacks in two weeks.

Trump’s administration has wavered on military aid to Ukraine, but after a brief pause, Trump said the U.S. would continue sending defensive weapons. Officials confirmed this week that new shipments are on the way.

Although NATO as an organization doesn’t send weapons, it helps coordinate deliveries from its 32 member countries to Ukraine, mainly through a logistics hub in Poland. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said allies are working hard to get Ukraine what it needs—especially ammunition and air defense systems.

Germany, Spain, and other NATO members already have Patriot systems, and some are buying more. Germany and Norway have committed to sending additional systems to Ukraine, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently asked Trump to supply more from the U.S.

Rubio explained that NATO countries with stockpiles of defensive weapons could supply Ukraine now, and buy replacements from the U.S. later. A senior NATO official confirmed Trump had discussed this approach with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, though details are still being finalized.

One European defense official said NATO countries are planning to purchase U.S. weapons specifically to send to Ukraine under Trump’s plan.

In addition to Patriots, other weapons under consideration include medium-range air-to-air missiles, shorter-range systems, and Howitzer artillery shells, according to a source familiar with internal White House discussions.

The White House hasn’t commented further. However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, said supporting Ukraine this way serves America’s interests. “We have the best weapons, and Ukraine knows how to use them,” he said.

This approach could also help bypass potential delays in future U.S. funding for Ukraine, as allies would foot the bill and simply replenish their own stockpiles with American weapons.

Strained U.S.-Ukraine Ties Improving

Trump has taken a tougher stance on Russia lately, saying at a recent Cabinet meeting that he’s “not happy” with President Vladimir Putin over a war that’s killing many on both sides. Graham also said Trump has backed a bill proposing a 500% tariff on goods from countries still buying Russian oil.

Despite past tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—including a reported argument in February—the two recently spoke by phone about Ukraine’s air defense needs. Zelenskyy described their latest conversation as “very constructive.”

Ukraine Hit Hard by New Wave of Attacks

In the most recent wave of Russian drone strikes, nine people were injured in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, and a maternity hospital was damaged. A daytime attack in Odesa also left nine injured.

Zelenskyy called on allies to follow through quickly on promises made at a recent international conference in Rome, stressing the urgent need for interceptor drones to counter Russian-made Shahed drones.

Ukraine has now launched a $6.2 million program called “Clear Sky” to create a drone interception system, which will include new drones, mobile teams, and training. “We found a solution,” Zelenskyy said. “Now we need financing to make it happen.”