U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. will send weapons to Ukraine via NATO, with the alliance covering 100% of the costs. Trump also hinted at a "major statement" on Russia set for Monday, as tensions escalate over Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
In an NBC News interview, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over the stalled progress in ending the conflict and confirmed that NATO would act as the intermediary for U.S. weapons transfers to Kyiv. Under the plan, arms from U.S. stockpiles will be delivered to NATO, which will then supply them to Ukraine. The arrangement is backed by the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which enables emergency military aid from U.S. reserves.
This marks the first time since returning to office that Trump has authorized direct military aid to Ukraine, following previous reliance on packages initiated under former President Joe Biden. Sources say the package, potentially worth $300 million, may include Patriot missiles and medium-range rockets, though final decisions are pending.
On the same day, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv, killing two and injuring 26. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said around 400 drones and 18 missiles were used, calling it "nightly terror."
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy attended a Ukraine reconstruction summit in Rome, where over $12 billion was pledged by global allies, including €2.3 billion from the European Commission. Zelenskiy urged countries to utilize frozen Russian assets for rebuilding and invest in joint defense initiatives.
In Malaysia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, urging Moscow to outline a clear path toward ending the war. Rubio also said the Trump administration is working with Congress on potential new sanctions against Russia.