NATO's Rutte: This is the first wave and there will be more

NATO's Rutte: This is the first wave and there will be more

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that the recent agreement to sell U.S.-made weapons to NATO countries for eventual transfer to Ukraine marks the first wave of military support. This initiative, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, involves the sale of advanced weapons such as Patriot missile batteries, PAC-3 interceptors, and other critical air defense systems to NATO allies [2].

The plan, which involves NATO acting as a clearinghouse, aims to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities while avoiding direct U.S. government expenditure on the arms. Instead, NATO allies will foot the bill for the weapons, with the total amount of weapons sales to NATO allies estimated to be around $10 billion [1]. This arrangement is expected to generate substantial revenue for U.S. defense firms, further boosting demand for foreign military sales to NATO [2].

According to U.S. officials, providing Ukraine with new weapons could be a signal to Moscow that Trump is seriously disappointed in relations with Vladimir Putin. The U.S. leader has accused Putin of peddling "bullshit" and is expecting a financial windfall from the weapons sales [1]. The mechanism for the arms transfer could involve European countries transferring weapons already purchased from the United States and supplementing them with new purchases, or buying new American weapons for immediate transfer to Ukraine [1].

Germany and Norway have already expressed a willingness to participate in the program, and officials said at least four more countries are likely to join them. This coordinated effort is part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Russia to negotiate peace, with Trump giving Russia a 50-day ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire or face severe economic penalties, including potential 100% tariffs [2].

The move reflects a more assertive U.S. stance in supporting Ukraine militarily while avoiding direct U.S. government expenditure on the arms, shifting the financial responsibility to NATO allies. The plan is expected to generate substantial revenue for U.S. defense firms, with foreign military sales to NATO increasing at a historic pace [2].

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that European countries would coordinate with Ukraine to determine their military needs, with some allies potentially sending existing weapons and replenishing their inventories with new U.S. arms. This arrangement is expected to facilitate the rapid deployment of Patriot missile systems and other air defense equipment to Ukraine [2].

In summary, the recent agreement to sell U.S.-made weapons to NATO countries for eventual transfer to Ukraine marks the first wave of military support, with the total amount of weapons sales estimated to be around $10 billion. This initiative is expected to generate substantial revenue for U.S. defense firms, further boosting demand for foreign military sales to NATO. The plan aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities while increasing pressure on Russia to negotiate peace, with a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire or face severe tariffs.

References:
[1] https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1087655.html
[2] https://eurasiabusinessnews.com/2025/07/14/trump-agrees-to-sell-nato-weapons-for-ukraine/