Trump Signals New Turn on Russia, NATO Arms Deal for Ukraine Unveiled
Trump plans a “major statement” on Russia Monday and unveiled a U.S.-NATO arms deal to aid Ukraine, reports NBC. He voiced disappointment with Moscow, backed new Senate sanctions, and said NATO will now fully fund U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine through the alliance.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a significant policy shift regarding Russia, declaring he will make a "major statement" on Monday, while revealing a new U.S.-NATO weapons arrangement aimed at supporting Ukraine in its war with Moscow. The comments were made during an interview with NBC News, where Trump expressed both disappointment with Russia and expectations for new developments in the coming weeks.
"I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday," Trump told NBC, without elaborating. “I’m disappointed in Russia, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks,” he added.
NBC News reported that Trump also outlined a new arrangement involving the United States, NATO, and Ukraine regarding arms transfers. According to Trump, a new deal reached at last month’s NATO summit stipulates that the U.S. will send weapons to NATO, and NATO will then supply those weapons to Ukraine, reimbursing the full cost.
“We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,” Trump said. “So 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.”
As NBC noted, Trump’s explanation aligns with recent proposals whereby NATO countries would purchase U.S.-made arms on Ukraine’s behalf, thereby reducing Washington’s financial burden.
The shipment of U.S. weapons to Ukraine resumed this week after a temporary suspension by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. NBC News wrote that the pause had reportedly surprised other members of the Trump administration, including officials at the State Department. When asked about the delay, Trump said, “I don’t know anything about it,” though he defended Hegseth’s performance, adding that he is “doing a great job.”
President Trump also addressed the recent Russian missile assault on Kyiv, which took place on Wednesday despite Trump’s prior warnings to Moscow. The strike, as NBC reported, was interpreted as a signal of defiance from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, efforts to impose new sanctions on Russia are advancing in the U.S. Senate. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has been lobbying Trump and other GOP leaders to back a bill targeting Moscow. Trump confirmed Thursday that he supports the measure and anticipates its passage.
“It’s a bill that the Senate is passing that very respectfully lets the president do whatever he wants, as you know,” Trump said. “In other words, it’s at my option if I want to use it. They’re going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but it’s up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it.”
The full implications of Trump’s forthcoming “major statement” on Russia remain to be seen, but his comments suggest an evolving U.S. stance on the war in Ukraine and the broader transatlantic alliance.
