Trump Claims NATO to Foot Bill for US Weapons Sent to Ukraine

In a phone interview on Thursday, Donald Trump stated the U.S. has a deal with NATO to supply weapons to Ukraine, with the alliance covering the costs. Meanwhile, officials consider how to supply more air defense systems.

Trump’s Assertion: NATO to Pay “100%”

“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent,” claimed Donald Trump in his conversation with NBC News’ Kristen Welker. He added, “We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that,” according to NBC News.

A NATO spokesperson issued a statement on Friday, saying, “Allies continue to work to ensure Ukraine has the support they need to defend themselves against Russia’s aggression. This includes urgent efforts to procure key supplies from the United States, including air defence and ammunition.”

NATO Chief’s Push for More Aid

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with Trump on Thursday. He later posted on X:

Earlier today I urged leaders to go further so Ukraine has more ammunition & air defences.

I’ve just spoken with President @realDonaldTrump & am now working closely with Allies to get Ukraine the help they need. pic.twitter.com/Lyv1n7QyEu

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) June 24, 2024

Rutte posted on X, “Earlier today I urged leaders to go further so Ukraine has more ammunition & air defences. I’ve just spoken with President Trump & am now working closely with Allies to get Ukraine the help they need.”

US Considering Patriot Options

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated active discussions with European countries about sharing Patriot batteries with Ukraine.

“There are other Patriot batteries and there are other opportunities. Countries that have ordered Patriot batteries that are about to receive shipments of them, it’d be great if one of them volunteered to defer that shipment and send it to Ukraine instead,” Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

As of June 2024, Ukraine needs seven additional Patriot missile systems to effectively defend its skies, highlighting the urgency of the situation (Institute for the Study of War).

Trump Teases “Major Statement” on Russia

Earlier in the week, Trump hinted that his administration was weighing the possibility of sending another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.

“They would like it, they’ve asked for it — they’re very rare indeed, because a lot of systems have been sent to Ukraine,” Trump said Wednesday. “But they would like to, I know they made the request. We’re gonna have to take a look at it. Very expensive, very expensive system.”

In his Thursday interview, the former president also said he would make a “major statement” regarding Russia on Monday, but provided no additional information.

“I’m disappointed in Russia … a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” the former president said.