WASHINGTON — As Ukraine faces a new wave of Russian drone and missile attacks, former President Donald Trump has unveiled a novel approach to sustaining Kyiv’s defenses: selling U.S. weapons to NATO allies, who will then transfer them to Ukraine, reported by Daily Hurriyet News.
In a Thursday interview with NBC News, Trump said the U.S. is “sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%.” While NATO as an organization doesn’t directly supply weapons, its 32 member states do — and under this emerging plan, U.S.-made arms already in Europe could reach Ukraine much faster than new shipments from U.S. factories.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking Friday in Kuala Lumpur, noted that some of the arms Ukraine urgently needs, including Patriot missile systems, are already stationed in Europe. “It’s a lot faster to move something from Germany to Ukraine than from a U.S. factory,” Rubio said.
The United States is encouraging European nations to hand over their existing stocks — including advanced missiles and artillery rounds — and then buy American replacements. Germany and Norway have already pledged Patriot systems, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating he’s “ready to acquire more from the U.S.” following a conversation with Trump.
This workaround also helps bypass potential Congressional gridlock over new aid packages. A senior European defense official confirmed that “European nations would purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine under the plan.”
Ukraine’s need is growing dire. Russian forces have launched unprecedented aerial assaults in recent weeks, with more than 700 drones deployed in just one wave. Friday’s strikes injured civilians and damaged a maternity hospital in Kharkiv. The capital, Kyiv, and cities like Odesa remain under frequent attack.
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine needs 10 additional Patriot systems and more interceptor drones to counter Russia’s Shahed drones. Ukraine’s new domestic initiative, Project Clear Sky, will invest $6.2 million in interceptor systems, training, and mobile units to reinforce defense.
Despite earlier tensions between Trump and Zelensky — including a heated Oval Office meeting in February — relations appear to be thawing. The two spoke last week about Ukraine’s defense needs, and Zelensky called the talks “very constructive.”
Trump, meanwhile, is signaling a shift in tone toward Russia. At a Cabinet meeting this week, he said he was “not happy” with President Vladimir Putin and hinted at a major announcement on Russia next week. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who is coordinating with Trump, is also advancing a bill proposing a 500% tariff on goods from countries still buying Russian oil.
For now, Ukraine waits — amid the whine of incoming drones — for the West to act.
