In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump confirms NATO will cover the full cost of U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine, signaling deeper Western military involvement while Moscow condemns the move.

Related:

Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Attack on Birthright Citizenship, Defends Immigrant Children’s Rights

On July 10, 2025, President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with NBC News that the United States has reached an agreement with NATO whereby the alliance will fully reimburse Washington for the weapons supplied to Ukraine. This marks a significant escalation in U.S. military support for Kyiv, delivered through NATO allies, as the war with Russia intensifies.

Trump explained that the U.S. sends weapons to NATO, which then distributes them to Ukraine, with NATO member states footing the entire bill. While he did not specify details, this arrangement was reportedly finalized during the June NATO summit. The president emphasized, “We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, a hundred percent.”

This approach appears designed to shift the financial burden from the U.S. to other NATO countries, while maintaining robust military aid to Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed ongoing discussions with European partners about sharing Patriot missile systems with Ukraine, further underscoring the alliance’s collective commitment.

Following a brief Pentagon-ordered pause to evaluate stockpiles, Trump confirmed that shipments of defensive weapons to Ukraine have resumed. The president cited the heavy losses suffered by Ukrainian forces as justification for continuing arms deliveries, stating, “We’re sending some defensive weapons, and I’ve approved that.”

The resumption comes amid intensified Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, which have raised urgent demands for advanced air defense systems like the Patriot missiles.

Russia’s continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable. 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 pic.twitter.com/pFMBrlQq8l

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) July 10, 2025

Russian officials criticized the NATO-led arms deliveries, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov asserting that European countries’ active arming of Ukraine contradicts efforts for a peaceful resolution. He warned that such actions only prolong the conflict and exacerbate human suffering.

Trump’s announcement signals a notable policy evolution, as he had previously expressed ambivalence about deepening U.S. involvement in Ukraine. By channeling weapons through NATO and securing allied funding, the administration seeks to balance domestic political concerns with strategic support for Kyiv.

IN THIS ARTICLE