War in Ukraine, strengthening of air defense and new sanctions against Russia: Trump and Rutte met at the White House
Фото: Reuters
A landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took place at the White House. During the briefing, Trump announced the transfer of up to 17 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine and a large amount of other military aid, which will be partly financed by European allies. The president also threatened Russia with 100% tariffs if a peace agreement on Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
Patriot for Ukraine
Donald Trump announced that the United States is ready to transfer up to 17 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, some of which are already being prepared for shipment to the most dangerous regions.
“Some Patriots will arrive in Ukraine within a few days,” he noted.
According to the agreement, foreign allies will transfer their air defense systems to Ukraine, and the United States will provide them with a replacement – “top-of-the-line American weapons.”
There will be more weapons and ammunition
Trump and Rutte confirmed that the agreement applies not only to Patriot, but also to other types of weapons, including:
- missiles,
- ammunition,
- air defense systems.
“It’s about ‘everything’ – we’re providing Ukraine with everything it needs for defense,” Trump said.
Funding from NATO allies
The US President said that a significant portion of the new supplies will be financed by European countries.
“They will pay. It makes sense. We did a great job,” Trump commented.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added that the allies “have really taken a big step” and “Ukraine will receive a massive amount of weapons.”
Russia under threat of new sanctions
If a peace agreement is not reached within 50 days, Trump threatened Moscow with a 100% import tariff.
“We will impose very tough tariffs. These will be secondary sanctions. If there is no agreement, they will take effect in 50 days,” the president said.
Previously, it was reported that tariffs of 500% were being prepared, but now we are talking about a realistic, but painful for Russia, rate of 100%.
Trump on Putin and the Russian economy
Despite Trump having spoken to Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions, he said that talks are “worthless when missiles are flying into cities.”
“Russia should focus not on war, but on trade – its economy has enormous potential,” Trump said.
Trump: “Ukrainians are fighting bravely, but they are losing equipment”
The US President emphasized the courage of the Ukrainian defenders and added that they need real help.
“Ukrainians are fighting with incredible courage, but they are losing equipment. We have to compensate for this,” he emphasized.
Summary and political signal
This is a radical reversal in Trump’s foreign policy, which previously promised “quick peace” and actually criticized Ukraine, not Russia. Now he threatens Russia with sanctions, increases aid to Kyiv, and promises powerful weapons with NATO support.
The meeting also demonstrated the new unity of the United States with its European allies following the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where the countries agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
It is worth adding that Trump will soon announce an “aggressive” plan to supply weapons to Ukraine . The US may transfer the missiles it receives to Moscow.
Recall that US President Donald Trump plans to send military aid to Ukraine for the first time since his return to the White House . This decision will be implemented through the so-called presidential powers to reduce arms stocks, which were previously actively used by Joe Biden. The preliminary cost of the package may reach about $ 300 million.
Earlier it was reported that the US decided to resume military aid to Ukraine , in particular, to provide a new batch of defensive weapons. Later it became known that US President Donald Trump probably promised Volodymyr Zelensky to provide Patriot missiles to strengthen Ukrainian air defense.
At the same time, Donald Trump confirmed that Ukraine had requested another Patriot air defense system . He added that the White House is considering the issue.
Also follow “ Pryamym ” on Facebook , Twitter , Telegram , and Instagram .