In a potentially signal-changing decision, former President Donald Trump told the Washington Post on Thursday the U.S. would provide “top-of-the-line weapons” to Ukraine. This assistance will be routed through NATO member states as the war with Russia intensifies. His own announcement came accompanied by a terse warning for Moscow. He has threatened massive tariffs if a peace agreement is not achieved in 50 days.
Trump had a specific plan to deliver heavy arms. He stressed how urgently these arms would be flown directly to the battlefield. He deftly painted the real urgency of the situation. He promised that the US would backfill the Patriot air defense systems that European countries have begun to send to Kyiv.
European allies have committed to sending their own Patriot air defense systems, which will help Ukraine defend themselves against aerial attacks. To win these battles, Trump promised that the United States would throw its full weight behind these efforts. He pledged to make replacements for all the systems that European countries send. The intention behind this military aid is clear: to strengthen Ukraine’s position against Russian aggression.
As NATO chief Mark Rutte put it, “If I had been Vladimir Putin today, I would have thought twice on how much serious I take discussions about Ukraine.” This announcement further highlights the increasing impatience of the world with Russia’s use of military force.
Trump’s strategy involves imposing a 100% secondary tariff targeting Russia’s remaining trade partners. As he put it, these tariffs are meant to “hobble Russia’s economy.” The Russian economy is extremely dependent on oil and gas exports, which make up close to a third of its state revenue and more than 60% of its exports.
At that joint address, Trump touted that military assistance package. It will include “missiles and ammunition” worth billions of dollars. His latest comments come as Congress appears to still be negotiating in good faith. He noted that those “very nice phone calls” with Russian President Vladimir Putin often come just before paralyzing airstrikes are launched upon Ukraine.
“After that happens three or four times you say: the talk doesn’t mean anything.” – Donald Trump
U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg met recently with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. He thanked Trump for his encouragement through their conversations. Zelensky described their meeting as “very productive.” He reiterated their pledge to work hand in hand with the United States to enhance Ukraine’s defense capacity.
“We discussed the necessary means and solutions with the President to provide better protection for people from Russian attacks and to strengthen our positions.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
The urgency of the situation was further echoed by Trump, who stated, “At a certain point talk doesn’t talk, it’s got to be action.” His comments are the latest indication that he is taking a harder line with Russia. This change underlines the importance of continuing and concrete support for Ukraine’s defense.
Trump’s announcement has underscored the need to consider the financial cost of this military assistance. European countries will bear a large share of the cost to support Ukraine. They’re all dealing with their own economic difficulties, but they are extending the hand of support to Kyiv.
Zelensky reiterated his commitment to achieving peace, stating, “We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace.” This emotional thread runs parallel to Trump’s perspective that smart negotiations are indispensable determinants for making progress.
As the fallout continues, both leaders seem resolved to reaching a settlement while shoring up their own positions. Now the next 50 days are key. They will determine whether or not Trump’s threats lead to productive engagement or to further division and violence.