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NATO will cover the costs of weapons for Ukraine that will be produced in the United States, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Ukrinform reports.
“This is great news for Ukraine,” Rutte emphasized, confirming that an agreement had been reached with President Trump under which NATO member states — primarily European countries — will finance the purchase of U.S.-manufactured weapons for Ukraine.
“This is really important,” Rutte said. “You [President Trump] called me on Thursday and said you had made a decision — that you want to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to defend itself from Russia, but you want Europeans to pay for it. That makes complete sense.”
According to Rutte, the decision stems from the recent NATO summit in The Hague, where allies agreed to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, continue supporting Ukraine, and ramp up defense production.
He named countries such as Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands as examples of European allies stepping up their efforts.
“We are now working within NATO’s framework to determine exactly what Ukraine needs so we can assemble the appropriate military aid packages. Ukraine will gain access to a vast amount of weaponry, including missile defense systems, rockets, ammunition, and more,” Rutte said.
He stressed that the U.S. decision would accelerate the delivery of arms to Ukraine.
Commenting on Russia, the NATO chief said that in light of recent developments in Washington, “if I were in Putin’s place, I would reconsider my approach to negotiations with Ukraine.”
As reported earlier, Secretary General Rutte arrived in Washington on July 14 for a two-day visit. His schedule includes meetings with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and members of Congress.
Earlier, President Trump confirmed that the U.S. would supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles to counter Russian attacks, remarking that “Putin says nice things, but bombs people at night.”
Trump previously announced a “major statement” regarding Russia, and last week disclosed a preliminary agreement with NATO countries to purchase U.S.-made arms for delivery to Ukraine.
Since the beginning of this year, 100 thousand Russian soldiers have been eliminated in Ukraine. If I were Putin and heard what Trump is planning for the next 50 days, I would seriously consider whether it’s worth sitting down at the negotiating table with Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Rutte added.
“I think this is a chance to achieve peace. Europe has a strong commitment in this war,” — Trump.
“I have to say, Europe is very determined when it comes to this war. Their level of spirit is truly remarkable. I think they genuinely believe this is a very, very important cause — otherwise, they wouldn’t be involved. Look, they’re agreeing to pay for everything,” — said U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
