In a major policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new NATO-backed weapons deal that will send advanced American weaponry—including Patriot missile defense systems—to Ukraine, funded entirely by European allies. The move aims to ramp up military pressure on Russia, while giving President Vladimir Putin just 50 days to agree to a ceasefire, or face sweeping 100% tariffs and expanded sanctions.
Trump’s NATO Breakthrough
Standing beside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump revealed that NATO allies—including Germany, Finland, and Norway—have agreed to purchase “top-of-the-line” American weapons, which will be shipped to Ukraine within days.
“They’re paying for everything. We’re not paying anymore,” Trump said, emphasizing that the U.S. will manufacture the weapons but avoid direct costs.
Rutte hailed the deal as “really big,” confirming that Patriot missile batteries would be among the first shipments, critical as Russia escalates its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
The move follows recent Ukrainian appeals for at least 10 Patriot batteries, after deadly ballistic missile attacks in Kyiv and Dnipro.
Putin’s Deadline: 50 Days to Choose Peace
Trump also gave Russian President Vladimir Putin 50 days to reach a ceasefire agreement or face “very severe” economic retaliation:
100% tariffs on all Russian exports to the U.S.
Secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil
“The country’s economy is going very poorly, and he’s got to get his economy back,” Trump said.
“Talk doesn’t talk. It’s got to be action.”
Though Trump said he previously gave Putin several chances for a deal, he now appears to have lost patience, stating, “He fooled a lot of people… Clinton, Bush, Obama, Biden. He didn’t fool me.”
Rutte reinforced the seriousness of the threat:
“This isn’t just about more weapons. It’s economic leverage. This is real pressure.”
Shift After Aid Pause and MAGA Pressure
The announcement comes just days after Trump’s administration paused weapons shipments to Ukraine pending a Pentagon review. The pause drew criticism amid Ukraine’s worsening defense needs and rising drone attacks.
Despite resistance from his MAGA base, Trump’s new approach allows him to satisfy isolationist critics while delivering on Western military aid, without spending U.S. taxpayer dollars.
NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency will handle the logistics of purchasing and delivering weapons through member-state contributions. This includes direct bilateral deals with the U.S. and expedited transfers through third-party countries.
What’s in the Package?
While specific weapon systems were not fully disclosed, Trump confirmed:
Patriot air defense batteries
Missiles and ammunition
Possibly long-range strike capabilities, as requested by President Zelensky
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a key figure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted Ukraine has urgently requested additional long-range weapons alongside air defenses.
Trump acknowledged the role of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who temporarily froze shipments during a “stockpile review”—anticipating the NATO deal’s approval.
Geopolitical Implications
This NATO-coordinated surge in weapons, combined with Trump’s 50-day tariff threat, marks the most aggressive pressure campaign yet on Russia.
It also sends a message to allies and adversaries alike: Trump is willing to arm Ukraine—but on his terms, and with European money.
As the clock ticks toward Putin’s deadline, the world watches to see if Moscow will fold under the weight of military escalation and looming economic isolation—or if the war will grind on into yet another winter.
