Trump to send more weapons to Ukraine via NATO allies

US President Donald Trump said he will make an “important announcement” about Russia next week, signaling that the US will sell more weapons, including Patriot missile systems, to its allies for delivery to Ukraine.

In an interview with NBC, the US President reiterated his criticism of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and stated that the new weapons would be sent through NATO allies rather than directly from the US.

“I am disappointed in Russia, but we will see what happens in the next few weeks… I will make an important announcement about Russia on Monday,” Trump said.

Earlier this week, Trump had expressed that he was “not happy” with the Russian leader for failing to end the war.

The US president announced a new agreement to send weapons to Ukraine through purchases made by NATO allies.

“We are sending the weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying 100% for these weapons. The weapons sent go to NATO, and NATO will give these weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO will pay for them. We will send the Patriot missiles to NATO, and NATO will distribute them,” he added.

NATO does not make bulk arms purchases, but some members of the alliance have indicated they are prepared to buy more weapons on behalf of Ukraine. Germany has offered to purchase two Patriot systems from the US to provide to Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said he had reached an agreement with Germany and Norway to purchase three Patriot air defense systems from the US to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks.

Last week, Russia carried out some of the most intense bombardments of the war, including missile and drone attacks that lasted for approximately 10 hours from Wednesday night to Thursday.

“Russia wants to launch 1,000 drones a day at Ukraine soon,” Zelenskyy said in Rome on Thursday, where he met with European leaders.

The Ukrainian leader stated that the joint production of interceptor drones capable of shooting down Russia’s Iranian-designed kamikaze UAVs is a solution he is discussing with Western allies. “If our partners agree to everything I have shared and the necessary funds are allocated, we can achieve this,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted that there are currently four Ukrainian companies and one US-Ukrainian company producing drones, and they now need to increase production.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would continue to send weapons to Ukraine, reversing a Pentagon decision to halt the delivery of some critical weapons.

In the NBC interview, Trump also stated his support for Republican Lindsey Graham’s bill to impose new sanctions on Russia, describing it as a law that “allows the president to do what he wants.”

“This bill passed by the Senate, as you know, respectfully allows the president to do whatever he wants. In other words, it’s my option. A very important and very tough sanctions law will be passed, but it is up to the president whether to implement it or not,” Trump stated.