President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a new plan on Monday to provide Ukraine with missiles and other weaponry to counter Russian aggression.
The decision comes after weeks of frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to negotiate an end to the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for more military support from the West.
.@POTUS: "We make the best equipment, the best missiles... the European nations know that... We've made a deal today where we're going to be sending them weapons and they're going to be paying for them. The United States will NOT be having any payment made." pic.twitter.com/TG2URSC3Ya
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 14, 2025
Under the agreement, the U.S. will supply weapons, with NATO countries footing the bill. The first wave of shipments, including Patriot missile systems, is expected soon. Trump also warned of "very severe tariffs" on Russia if no peace deal is reached within 50 days, as U.S. congressional leaders work on a sanctions package.
Rutte emphasized that Putin should take the tariff threat seriously, urging him to reconsider his stance on Ukraine. Trump, who was disappointed by a recent phone call with Putin, remains hopeful for negotiations.
