Trump to reveal Ukraine weapons strategy in meeting with NATO chief
Donald Trump Welcomes NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte at the White House
President Trump met with the head of NATO on Monday, after the U.S. president’s patience with Russian leader Vladimir Putin finally came to an end. The meeting was headed by the promise to deliver a fresh strategy for arming Ukraine.
Trump’s Pivot and Growing Frustration with Putin
- Trump’s initial outreach to Putin was sparked by a January pledge to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours.
- Early in his second term, the president sought a rapprochement with the Kremlin, a move that raised fears in Kyiv that the U.S. might be abandoning Ukraine.
- Despite earlier calls for a ceasefire, recent weeks have seen Russia intensify its occupational attacks, prompting Trump to express anger and frustration.
Announcement of Patriot Air‑Defence Systems
Last week, Trump teased an announcement on Monday regarding Russia. On Sunday, he confirmed that the U.S. would send vital Patriot air‑defence systems to Ukraine, a decision that came after the Kremlin stepped up its offensive.
“Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump remarked. The president has also used strong language when discussing the Kremlin chief, underscoring his rising aggression.
Washington’s New Funding Deal
Washington has reversed a plan earlier this month to pause some arms deliveries to Kyiv. Instead, the U.S. announced a new agreement that would involve NATO and the European Union paying the United States for some of the weapons it sends to Ukraine.
Mark Rutte’s First Visit Since 2025
Rutte’s visit to the White House is the first since the former Dutch prime minister described Trump as “daddy” at a NATO summit in The Hague in June.
Moscow’s Record Drone and Missile Strikes
Moscow has unleashed record waves of drone and missile strikes over the past few weeks, causing the number of Ukrainian civilians killed or wounded in June to hit a three‑year high, according to UN figures.
Key Figures in Moscow’s Attack Campaign
- Russian forces claimed the capture of new territory in eastern Ukraine on Monday, seizing two villages (one in Donetsk and another in Zaporizhzhia).
- Russian troops killed at least three civilians in the eastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions on Monday, according to regional Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian Response and Calls for a Political Shake‑Up
In Kyiv, Zelensky highlighted the pressing importance of a substantial political proposal, recommending that economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko take over as the country’s new prime minister. Svyrydenko said on social media that Ukraine was facing a “crucial time.” The Ukrainian leader thanked President Trump for the important signals of support and the positive decisions for both our countries, in an apparent reference to the pledge of new Patriots.
Grizzly’s “Better Late Than Never” Remark
One Ukrainian soldier deployed in the war‑scarred east of the country, who identified himself by his call sign Grizzly, welcomed Trump’s promise of fresh air defence systems. “Better late than never,” he told AFP. “Because while we are here defending the front line, our families are unprotected. Thanks to the Patriots they are giving us, our families will be safer,” the 29‑year‑old added.
