Trump Floats NATO Arms Deal for Ukraine

Reversing course, former president considers new approach to aid.

In a potential policy shift, Donald Trump is considering sending weapons to Ukraine through NATO allies, signaling a change amid frustrations with stalled negotiations with Vladimir Putin.

Weapons Via NATO

During a recent NBC News interview, Trump teased a “major announcement” regarding Russia scheduled for Monday, also confirming a preliminary agreement with NATO leaders to supply weapons to Ukraine. He outlined a plan where the U.S. would sell weapons to NATO, who would then pass them on to Ukraine.

“So what we’re doing is the weapons that are going out are going to Nato, and then Nato is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine] and Nato is paying for those weapons,” Trump stated.

This approach would differ from direct U.S. aid, as NATO would decide on arming Kyiv. Some NATO member states, like Germany, have already discussed purchasing weapons from the U.S. for transfer to Ukraine. As of May 2024, the United States has provided over $44.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the conflict (U.S. Department of State).

Envoy to Visit Kyiv

Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, is set to visit Kyiv for a week, coinciding with the potential announcement. This trip follows a temporary halt in U.S. weapons shipments due to a Pentagon review of munition stockpiles.

White House Response

While the White House is attempting to distance itself from the decision, Trump seems ready to approve a significant military aid package for Ukraine through NATO. This marks a reversal from his previous stance of reducing support to push Kyiv towards peace negotiations.

Sanctions on Russia?

Trump also endorsed the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham. This bill aims to impose severe sanctions on Putin and a 500% tariff on goods from countries buying Russian oil, potentially targeting China and India.

“They’re going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but it’s up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it,” Trump said, offering his first endorsement of the bill.

Experts suggest the bill could provide Trump with new tools to target Russia, although he could also implement sanctions independently. Despite past admiration for Putin, Trump has recently expressed frustration over stalled peace talks and continued attacks on Ukrainian cities.

“We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump remarked recently. “He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”