Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed deep frustration with Putin, describing him as “pleasant to speak with on the phone” but someone who “then bombs everybody in the evening.” Trump added, “I don’t want to say he’s an assassin, but he’s a tough guy,” referencing similar disappointments experienced by previous U.S. presidents.
Under a new NATO arrangement, the U.S. will deliver military equipment to Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems, while NATO allies will cover the costs. “What we’re doing is the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons [to Ukraine], and NATO is paying for those weapons,” Trump said.
Rutte confirmed that large quantities of arms, including missiles, would be part of the initial shipment, and said more waves of equipment would follow. “They all want to be part of this. And this is only the first wave,” he stated, naming Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Canada as committed participants.
Trump stressed that the Patriot missiles and other high-grade systems will arrive shortly. “We’re going to have some come very soon, within days… a couple of the countries that have Patriots are going to swap over and will replace the Patriots with the ones they have,” he explained.
Trump said the new arrangement ensures that the U.S. will no longer bear the financial burden alone. “We’re not paying anything for it. But we will send it, and it’ll be good news for us,” he noted, adding that Ukraine “desperately need[s]” the Patriots for defence.
The announcement comes after the Pentagon had temporarily halted some arms deliveries to Ukraine, including Patriot interceptors and artillery shells, due to concerns over U.S. munitions stockpiles. That decision was reversed about a week later, clearing the way for renewed support.
Trump also warned of tough consequences for Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire within the 50-day window. “If I was Vladimir Putin today… I would reconsider whether I should not take negotiations about Ukraine more seriously,” Rutte remarked during the announcement.
A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to impose “100% tariffs on Russia” and introduce secondary sanctions on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil if Moscow fails to engage in talks. Congressional leaders are currently working on a corresponding sanctions package.
The decision marks a pivotal moment for Trump, who had previously sought a diplomatic resolution with Putin but now appears set on using military aid and economic pressure to force a shift. “Because Putin had really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening. It’s a little bit of a problem there, I don’t like it,” Trump said.
